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Simvastatin and amlodipine — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCardiovascular TherapeuticsSimvastatin and amlodipineGPhC CRA

A 55-year-old man takes simvastatin 40mg at night. A new prescription for amlodipine 5mg daily is presented. He has no history of statin intolerance and his liver function tests are normal. What is the most important interaction to flag?

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Correct answer: C — Simvastatin dose should be reviewed because amlodipine increases simvastatin exposure

Amlodipine can increase exposure to simvastatin, increasing myopathy risk. The maximum recommended simvastatin dose with amlodipine is lower than 40mg daily, so the prescription should be reviewed. Switching to a different statin may be an appropriate prescriber decision.

Reference: BNF