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Simvastatin and amlodipine — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCardiovascular TherapeuticsSimvastatin and amlodipineGPhC CRA

A 66-year-old man taking simvastatin 40mg nightly is prescribed amlodipine 10mg daily after ABPM confirms hypertension. His GP asks whether the statin needs review. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: D — Recommend reducing simvastatin to a maximum of 20mg daily or using an alternative statin

Amlodipine increases simvastatin exposure, and dose restriction is recommended to reduce myopathy risk. Simvastatin 40mg with amlodipine should therefore be queried, with dose reduction or an alternative statin considered. Changing administration time does not remove the interaction. Increasing simvastatin would increase harm risk.

Reference: BNF; MHRA Drug Safety Update