Does Diltiazem Interact With Simvastatin?

Posted on Mon, 19 Oct 2015

Question: does diltiazem CD have a bad reaction when taken together on a daily basis with simvastatrin?

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can produce serious side effect

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for your query.
Diltiazem increases the level and effect of Simvastatin by its effect on liver and intestinal enzymes. Therefore the side effects of Simvastatin will be more and it is not advisable to take a high dose of simvastatin and diltiazem CD together.

Do get back to me if you have more queries.

take care,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (2 hours later)

Dr XXXXXXX

My daily Simvastatin dose is only 20 mg. At this relatively low level is 120 mg of Dilitiazem daily still a problem?
XXXXXXX Bianchi

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Less likely

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
It is less likely that 20 mg of Simvastatin will produce any serious side effect with the Dilzem.
Please check your blood ALT and CPK to ensure safety.
Wish you good health and a good day.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar