Pravastatin Nefazodone

The catabolism of lovastatin, simvastatin, and atorvastatin proceeds chiefly through CYP3A4, whereas that of fluvastatin and rosuvastatin is mediated by CYP2C9. Pravastatin is catabolized through other pathways, including sulfation. The 3A4-dependent reductase inhibitors tend to accumulate in plasma in the presence of drugs that inhibit or compete for the 3A4 cytochrome. These include the macrolide antibiotics, cyclosporine, ketoconazole and its congeners, HIVprotease inhibitors, tacrolimus, nefazodone, fibrates, and others (see Chapter 4). Concomitant use of reductase inhibitors with amiodarone or verapamil also causes an increased risk of myopathy. 

Nefazodone can cause myositis and rhabdomyolysis in patients taking pravastatin and simvastatin (25). The postulated mechanism involves inhibition of CYP3A4, leading to reduced clearance of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and muscle toxicity. 

Alderman CP. Possible interaction between nefazodone and pravastatin. Ann Pharmacother 1999 33(7-8) 871. 

Via CYP450 3A4 inhibition, netazodone could theoretically Increase concentrations of certain cholesterol lowering HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, especially simvastatin, atorvastatin, and lovastatin, but not pravastatin orfluvastatin, which would increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis thus, coadministration of nefazodone with certain HMG CoA reductase inhibitors should proceed with caution... 

Nefazodone has been implicated in cases of muscle toxicity and rhabdomyolysis in patients taking simvastatin, lovastatin, and possibly pravastatin. 

Bottorf MB. Comment possible interaction between nefazodone and pravastatin. Arm Phar-macother (100(S) 34,538. 

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