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Clarithromycin and simvastatin — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardInfectionsClarithromycin and simvastatinGPhC CRA

A patient taking simvastatin 40 mg nightly is prescribed clarithromycin for pneumonia and has previous statin muscle pain. What is the most important interaction to flag?

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Correct answer: D — Increased simvastatin exposure and myopathy risk

Clarithromycin can markedly increase simvastatin exposure and myopathy risk. This makes increased simvastatin exposure and myopathy risk the single best answer in this scenario. The other options would either miss the key safety issue, delay appropriate review, or fail to meet the relevant clinical or professional requirement.

Reference: BNF interactions