What Is The Interaction Between Atorvastatin And Erythromycin?

Posted on Sun, 10 Jun 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 10 Jun 2018 Answered on

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 Last reviewed on

Question : what is the interaction between Atorvastatin and Erythromycin?

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The combination can harm liver, muscles & kidney .

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Antibiotic Erythromycin & Atorvastatin when taken together,can lead to toxic drug reaction.
* Erythromycin slows down certain liver enzymes which usually process Atorvastatin .... This results in built up of the statin drug in blood to toxic levels...resulting in
- liver damage ( loss of appetite ,nausea, vomiting fatigue ,/yellow skin or eyes/unusual bleeding,bruises,)
- Break down of skeletal muscles &/or kidney damage ( exhibited as-muscle pain,tenderness or weakness/fever with chills , dark urine ,joint pains or swellings )
* Both the effects of the interaction are risky.so if at all giving both the drugs in combination is essential...
-It is essential to be under care of an expert physician.
- Careful adjustment &frequent monitoring by doctors is essential.
I hope that helps you. Any more information you need ,please feel free to ask.
In case you do not have any further query.. please close the query &grade the answer before that.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng