Drug General Information (ID: DDITKM198H)
  Drug Name Fluconazole Drug Info Lovastatin Drug Info
  Drug Type Small molecule Small molecule
  Therapeutic Class Antifungal Agents Statins/Antihyperlipidemic Agents
  Structure

 Mechanism of Fluconazole-Lovastatin Interaction (Severity Level: Major)
     CYP450 enzyme inhibition Click to Show/Hide Mechanism Graph
Could Not Find 2D Structure
      Drug Name Fluconazole Lovastatin
      Mechanism CYP450 3A4 inhibitor CYP450 3A4 substrate
      Key Mechanism Factor 1
Factor Name Cytochrome P450 3A4
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Structure Sequence
MALIPDLAMETWLLLAVSLVLLYLYGTHSHGLFKKLGIPGPTPLPFLGNILSYHKGFCMFDMECHKKYGKVWGFYDGQQPVLAITDPDMIKTVLVKECYSVFTNRRPFGPVGFMKSAISIAEDEEWKRLRSLLSPTFTSGKLKEMVPIIAQYGDVLVRNLRREAETGKPVTLKDVFGAYSMDVITSTSFGVNIDSLNNPQDPFVENTKKLLRFDFLDPFFLSITVFPFLIPILEVLNICVFPREVTNFLRKSVKRMKESRLEDTQKHRVDFLQLMIDSQNSKETESHKALSDLELVAQSIIFIFAGYETTSSVLSFIMYELATHPDVQQKLQEEIDAVLPNKAPPTYDTVLQMEYLDMVVNETLRLFPIAMRLERVCKKDVEINGMFIPKGVVVMIPSYALHRDPKYWTEPEKFLPERFSKKNKDNIDPYIYTPFGSGPRNCIGMRFALMNMKLALIRVLQNFSFKPCKETQIPLKLSLGGLLQPEKPVVLKVESRDGTVSGA
Gene Name CYP3A4
Uniprot ID CP3A4_HUMAN
KEGG Pathway hsa:1576
Protein Family Cytochrome P450 family
Protein Function
A cytochrome P450 monooxygenase involved in the metabolism of sterols, steroid hormones, retinoids and fatty acids (PubMed:10681376, PubMed:11093772, PubMed:11555828, PubMed:14559847, PubMed:12865317, PubMed:15373842, PubMed:15764715, PubMed:20702771, PubMed:19965576, PubMed:21490593, PubMed:21576599). Mechanistically, uses molecular oxygen inserting one oxygen atom into a substrate, and reducing the second into a water molecule, with two electrons provided by NADPH via cytochrome P450 reductase (NADPH--hemoprotein reductase). Catalyzes the hydroxylation of carbon-hydrogen bonds (PubMed:2732228, PubMed:14559847, PubMed:12865317, PubMed:15373842, PubMed:15764715, PubMed:21576599, PubMed:21490593). Exhibits high catalytic activity for the formation of hydroxyestrogens from estrone (E1) and 17beta-estradiol (E2), namely 2-hydroxy E1 and E2, as well as D-ring hydroxylated E1 and E2 at the C-16 position (PubMed:11555828, PubMed:14559847, PubMed:12865317). Plays a role in the metabolism of androgens, particularly in oxidative deactivation of testosterone (PubMed:2732228, PubMed:15373842, PubMed:15764715, PubMed:22773874). Metabolizes testosterone to less biologically active 2beta- and 6beta-hydroxytestosterones (PubMed:2732228, PubMed:15373842, PubMed:15764715). Contributes to the formation of hydroxycholesterols (oxysterols), particularly A-ring hydroxylated cholesterol at the C-4beta position, and side chain hydroxylated cholesterol at the C-25 position, likely contributing to cholesterol degradation and bile acid biosynthesis (PubMed:21576599). Catalyzes bisallylic hydroxylation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (PubMed:9435160). Catalyzes the epoxidation of double bonds of PUFA with a preference for the last double bond (PubMed:19965576). Metabolizes endocannabinoid arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide) to 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid ethanolamides (EpETrE-EAs), potentially modulating endocannabinoid system signaling (PubMed:20702771). Plays a role in the metabolism of retinoids. Displays high catalytic activity for oxidation of all-trans-retinol to all-trans-retinal, a rate-limiting step for the biosynthesis of all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) (PubMed:10681376). Further metabolizes atRA toward 4-hydroxyretinoate and may play a role in hepatic atRA clearance (PubMed:11093772). Responsible for oxidative metabolism of xenobiotics. Acts as a 2-exo-monooxygenase for plant lipid 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) (PubMed:11159812). Metabolizes the majority of the administered drugs. Catalyzes sulfoxidation of the anthelmintics albendazole and fenbendazole (PubMed:10759686). Hydroxylates antimalarial drug quinine (PubMed:8968357). Acts as a 1,4-cineole 2-exo-monooxygenase (PubMed:11695850). Also involved in vitamin D catabolism and calcium homeostasis. Catalyzes the inactivation of the active hormone calcitriol (1-alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)) (PubMed:29461981).
    Click to Show/Hide
      Mechanism Description
  • Decreased metabolism of Lovastatin caused by Fluconazole mediated inhibition of CYP450 enzyme

Recommended Action
      Management The benefits of using azole antifungal agents with statins that are substrates of CYP450 3A4 should be carefully weighed against the potentially increased risk of myopathy including rhabdomyolysis. If coadministration is required, a lower initial and maintenance dosage of the statin should be considered. Close monitoring for musculoskeletal toxicity is recommended, particularly during the initial months of therapy and following a dosage increase of either drug. Pitavastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin may be safer alternatives, since they are not metabolized by CYP450 3A4. Fluvastatin may also be used with azole antifungal agents except fluconazole and voriconazole, both of which can inhibit fluvastatin metabolism via CYP450 2C9. alternatively, an interruption of the statin may be considered during treatment with an azole antifungal agent. All patients receiving statin therapy should be advised to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by fever, malaise and/or dark colored urine. Therapy should be discontinued if creatine kinase is markedly elevated in the absence of strenuous exercise or if myopathy is otherwise suspected or diagnosed.

References
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