Dalfopristin and Lovastatin: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Lovastatin
Dalfopristin
No brand names on recordHow 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
Quinupristin/dalfopristin is a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes and may cause an increase in lovastatin concentrations when administered concurrently. Patients should be closely monitored for signs of excessive lovastatin adverse effects, such as muscle pain or weakness, and doses of lovastatin should be adjusted accordingly1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Inhibition of cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of lovastatin
Common questions
Can I take Dalfopristin and Lovastatin together?
An increased risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Dalfopristin and Lovastatin 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.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Dalfopristin or Lovastatin 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 Lovastatin
Keep reading about Dalfopristin
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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