Amlodipine with Atazanavir Interaction Details

Brand Names Associated with Amlodipine

Brand Names Associated with Atazanavir

Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated Mar 03, 2024

Interaction Effect

Increased amLODIPine exposure

Interaction Summary

Atazanavir, as an inhibitor of the isoenzyme CYP3A, may inhibit the metabolism of amLODIPine, a known CYP3A substrate. The combination of these drugs may result in increased plasma concentrations of amlodipine that could increase or prolong the adverse effects of amLODIPine. Monitor for symptoms of hypotension and edema when amLODIPine is coadministered with CYP3A inhibitors to determine the need for dose adjustment[1][2]. Caution is warranted with the concurrent use. Dose titration of amLODIPine should be considered and ECG monitoring is recommended [3].

Severity

Major

Onset

Unspecified

Evidence

Theoretical

How To Manage Interaction

Coadministration of amLODIPine and atazanavir (a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor) results in increased amLODIPine exposure and may require dose reduction. Monitor for symptoms of hypotension and edema when amLODIPine is coadministered with CYP3A inhibitors to determine the need for dose adjustment[1][2]. Caution is warranted with concomitant use. Dose titration of amLODIPine should be considered and ECG monitoring is recommended [3].

Mechanism Of Interaction

Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of amLODIPine by atazanavir

References

1 ) Product Information: NORLIQVA(R) oral solution, amlodipine oral solution. CMP Pharma Inc (per FDA), Farmville, NC, 2022.

2 ) Product Information: NORVASC(R) oral tablets, amlodipine besylate oral tablets. Pfizer Labs (per FDA), New York, NY, 2011.

3 ) Product Information: REYATAZ(R) oral capsules, oral powder, atazanavir oral capsules, oral powder. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (per FDA), Princeton, NJ, 2020.

Amlodipine Overview

• Amlodipine is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure in adults and children 6 years and older. It is also used to treat certain types of angina (chest pain) and coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart). Amlodipine is in a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It controls chest pain by increasing the supply of blood to the heart. If taken regularly, amlodipine controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may prescribe a different medication to take when you have chest pain.

• High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.

Atazanavir Overview

• Atazanavir is used along with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adults and children who are at least 3 months of age and weigh at least 22 lb (10 kg). Atazanavir is in a class of medications called protease inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood. Although atazanavir does not cure HIV, it may decrease your chance of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related illnesses such as serious infections or cancer. Atazanavir must be given with other medications that treat HIV infection to completely treat the infection. Taking these medications along with practicing safer sex and making other lifestyle changes may decrease the risk of transmitting the HIV virus to other people.

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Definitions

Severity Categories

Contraindicated

These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.

Major

This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.

Moderate

This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.

Minor

While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.

Onset

Rapid: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs within 24 hours of co-administration.

Delayed: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs more than 24 hours after co-administration.

Evidence

Level of documentation of the interaction.

Established: The interaction is documented and substantiated in peer-reviewed medical literature.

Theoretical: This interaction is not fully supported by current medical evidence or well-documented sources, but it is based on known drug mechanisms, drug effects, and other relevant information.

How To Manage The Interaction

Provides a detailed discussion on how patients and clinicians can approach the identified drug interaction as well as offers guidance on what to expect and strategies to potentially mitigate the effects of the interaction. This may include recommendations on adjusting medication dosages, altering the timing of drug administration, or closely monitoring for specific symptoms.

It's important to note that all medical situations are unique, and management approaches should be tailored to individual circumstances. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on managing drug interactions effectively.

Mechanism Of Interaction

The theorized or clinically determined reason (i.e., mechanism) why the drug-drug interaction occurs.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.

Where Does Our Information Come From?

Information for our drug interactions is compiled from several drug compendia, including:

• Gold Standard Drug Database
• Micromedex
• Lexicomp
• DrugBank

The prescribing information for each drug, as published on DailyMED, is also used. 

Individual drug-drug interaction detail pages contain references specific to that interaction. You can click on the reference number within brackets '[]' to see what reference was utilized.

The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.