Question

A 65-year-old woman with a history of stable angina is prescribed diltiazem CR 120mg OD by her cardiologist. She also takes simvastatin 40mg ON. What is the key pharmacokinetic interaction between diltiazem and simvastatin that the prescriber must consider?

Accepted Answer

Diltiazem inhibits CYP3A4, increasing simvastatin levels

Answer

Diltiazem induces CYP3A4, reducing simvastatin levels

Answer

Simvastatin induces CYP3A4, reducing diltiazem levels

Answer

Simvastatin inhibits CYP3A4, increasing diltiazem levels

Answer

Both drugs compete for renal excretion, increasing levels of both

Practice question

A 65-year-old woman with a history of stable angina is prescribed diltiazem CR 120mg OD by her cardiologist. She also takes simvastatin 40mg ON. What is the key pharmacokinetic interaction between diltiazem and simvastatin that the prescriber must consider?