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Simvastatin and amlodipine — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCardiovascular TherapeuticsSimvastatin and amlodipineGPhC CRA

A 69-year-old woman taking amlodipine 10 mg daily presents a prescription for simvastatin 40 mg at night. Her previous statin was simvastatin 20 mg. What is the most important interaction to flag?

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Correct answer: D — Simvastatin exposure is increased by amlodipine, so the dose needs review

Amlodipine increases exposure to simvastatin, raising the risk of myopathy. The maximum recommended simvastatin dose with amlodipine is lower than standard high-dose simvastatin use. The pharmacist should query the prescription and consider an alternative statin or lower simvastatin dose. INR monitoring is unrelated to this interaction.

Reference: BNF