Combining Atorvastatin and Clarithromycin is a major interaction and should generally be avoided without close medical supervision.
Clarithromycin significantly increases atorvastatin exposure, raising the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
Mechanism: Clarithromycin is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, reducing atorvastatin first-pass metabolism and increasing plasma levels up to 4-fold.
Atorvastatin vs. Clarithromycin
Compare Atorvastatin and Clarithromycin: mechanism of action, indications, side effects, cost, and which may be right for you.
Drug A
Atorvastatin
Lipitor
Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors)
RxDrug B
Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin
Macrolide Antibiotics
RxQuick Comparison
| Category | Atorvastatin | Clarithromycin |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) | Macrolide Antibiotics |
| Rx Status | Rx | Rx |
| Generic Available | Yes | No |
| Typical Cost | $4–$25/month | $20–$70/month |
Atorvastatin Overview
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is the world's best-selling prescription drug and the most widely prescribed statin for lowering LDL ('bad') cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. It is used for both primary prevention (in people without established heart disease but with risk factors) and secondary prevention (in people who have already had a heart attack or s...
Full Atorvastatin guide →Clarithromycin Overview
CLARITHROMYCIN (brand name: Clarithromycin) is a Macrolide Antibiotics. 1.1 Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis Clarithromycin tablets are indicated in adults for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae [see…
Full Clarithromycin guide →How Each Drug Works
Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin is a competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase), the rate-limiting enzyme in the mevalonate pathway — the primary pathway for endogenous cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver.
Step-by-step mechanism:
1. HMG-CoA reductase inhibition HMG-CoA reductase catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, an early and committed step in cholesterol synthesis. Atorvastatin's open-acid form binds to the enzyme's active site with…
Approved Uses (Indications)
Atorvastatin
FDA-Approved Indications:
Primary hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia:
- Reduces elevated total cholesterol, LDL-C, apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and triglycerides
- Increases HDL-C
- Used as an adjunct to diet when diet and lifestyle modification alone are insufficient
Prevention of cardiovascular events:
- Primary prevention — reduces the risk of MI, stroke, revascularization procedures, and angina in adults without clinically evident coronary heart disease but with multiple risk factors (hypertension, smoking, low HDL, family history of early CHD, age ≥45 in men / ≥55 in wome…
Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin tablets are indicated in adults for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae [see Indications and Usage ]. 1.2 Acute Maxillary Sinusitis Clarithromycin tablets are indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae [see Indications and Usage ].
Commu…
Side Effects
Atorvastatin
Serious Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Rare Side Effects
Clarithromycin
Cost Comparison
Atorvastatin
$4–$25/month
Generic available
Generic atorvastatin is one of the most affordable medications in the US. Typical costs: - **10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg tablets:** $4–$15/month at most major pharmacies (Walmart, Kroger, Publix $4 generic programs) - **80 mg tablets:** $10–$25/month (generic) - **Brand-name Lipitor:** $300–$600+/month — rarely prescribed due to identical efficacy of generics **GoodRx and discount cards** can reduce costs to under $10/month at many pharmacies. Atorvastatin is covered by virtually all insurance plans as a Tier 1 (lowest cost) drug on most formularies. **Combination products:** - Caduet (atorvastatin + amlodipine): $100–$400/month (generic available ~$30–$80/month) - Liptruzet (atorvastatin + ezetimibe): $400+/month brand; generic combination less commonly available
Clarithromycin
$20–$70/month
Since generic clarithromycin is available, patients can save significantly by using discount cards or pharmacy coupons. Always compare prices at different pharmacies.
Compare prices for Atorvastatin and Clarithromycin
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.