See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Lipitor, a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels, can interact with other drugs, potentially affecting their potency. These interactions can either decrease or increase the effectiveness of the other medications, or increase the risk of side effects [1].

When Lipitor is taken with certain drugs, it can reduce their effectiveness. For instance, Lipitor can decrease the absorption of drugs that contain fusidic acid, a type of antibiotic used to treat infections [1]. This can result in reduced potency of the antibiotic, potentially leading to treatment failure.

On the other hand, Lipitor can also increase the potency of some drugs, leading to enhanced effects and increased risk of side effects. For example, when Lipitor is taken with warfarin, a blood thinner, it can increase the International Normalized Ratio (INR), a measure of blood clotting time [1]. This can increase the risk of bleeding, a serious side effect of warfarin.

Moreover, Lipitor can interact with drugs that are metabolized in the liver by the same enzymes, leading to altered potency of these drugs. For instance, Lipitor can increase the levels of cyclosporine, a drug used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation, by inhibiting its metabolism [1]. This can lead to increased potency of cyclosporine, potentially causing toxicity.

In conclusion, Lipitor can affect the potency of other drugs by decreasing or increasing their effectiveness, or by enhancing their side effects. Therefore, it is crucial to inform healthcare providers about all medications being taken, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to avoid potential interactions [1].

Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Lipitor drug interactions. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor/interactions>