Atorvastatin and Quinupristin: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Jul 15, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Atorvastatin
Quinupristin
No brand names on record
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
An increased risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis
Interaction Deep Dive
Monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis (muscle pain, tenderness, weakness). Monitor creatine kinase (CK) levels and discontinue use if CK levels show a marked increase, or if myopathy or rhabdomyolysis is diagnosed or suspected. Quinupristin/dalfopristin is a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes and may cause an increase in amlodipine concentrations when administered concurrently. Patients should be closely monitored for signs of excessive amlodipine adverse effects, and doses of amlodipine should be adjusted accordingly1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Inhibition of cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of atorvastatin
Common questions
Can I take Atorvastatin and Quinupristin together?
An increased risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Atorvastatin and Quinupristin interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "delayed". Effects tend to build up gradually over days to weeks.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
From our Q&A
Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Atorvastatin or Quinupristin need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (1)
- Product Information: Synercid(R) I.V. quinupristin and dalfopristin. Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Pharmaceuticals Inc. Collegeville, PA, 1999.
Keep reading about Atorvastatin
Keep reading about Quinupristin
These medications also interact with supplements
Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:
major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.
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