Drug Interaction Report

Indinavir and Atorvastatin: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Indinavir and Atorvastatin interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Jul 15, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Atorvastatin

Atorvaliq Lipitor Lipitor®
+

Indinavir

No brand names on record
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Jul 15, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
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.

Of 123 documented Indinavir interactions, 85 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Major

What happens

Increased plasma levels of atorvastatin and an increased risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis

Interaction Deep Dive

Using indinavir, a CYP3A4 inhibitor2, together with atorvastatin, a substrate of CYP3A4 1, may result in increased plasma concentration of atorvastatin and an increased risk of developing serious myopathies, including rhabdomyolysis 21. If concurrent therapy with atorvastatin and indinavir is required, use the lowest effective dose of atorvastatin, titrate carefully, and monitor closely 2.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated atorvastatin metabolism by indinavir

Common questions

Can I take Indinavir and Atorvastatin together?

Increased plasma levels of atorvastatin and an increased risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Indinavir and Atorvastatin interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Indinavir or Atorvastatin 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 (2)

  1. Product Information: LIPITOR(R) oral tablets, atorvastatin calcium oral tablets. Pfizer (Per FDA), New York, NY, 2012. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: CRIXIVAN(R) oral capsules, indinavir sulfate oral capsules. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. (per FDA), Whitehouse Station, NJ, 2012. DailyMed
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Atorvastatin

Keep reading about Atorvastatin

All Atorvastatin interactions (159) Atorvastatin drug information
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Indinavir

Keep reading about Indinavir

All Indinavir interactions (123)
Also serious with: Finerenone Lovastatin Lurasidone Dihydroergotamine Injection
Beyond drug–drug

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:

Atorvastatin + Activated Charcoal Apple Beer Grapefruit Green Tea Siberian Cocklebur St. John's Wort Sweet Orange + 173 more
Indinavir + Activated Charcoal Grapefruit St. John's Wort Acacia Rigidula Adrafinil African Wild Potato American Elder Astaxanthin + 142 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.