Is Amlodipine and Atorvastatin (Caduet) affected by genetics?
Partially. 1 of 2 ingredients has pharmacogenetic evidence.
Amlodipine and atorvastatin contains 2 active ingredients, and 1 of them has published pharmacogenetic guidelines. The relevant gene is SLCO1B1. Your genotype can change how that ingredient behaves in your body, while the other ingredients aren't affected by genetics in any clinically established way. The strongest evidence level on this page is Strong, from the published guidelines shown below.
Also sold as Caduet.
Pharmacogenetic guidelines are written for one ingredient at a time, so the guidance below is for each ingredient on its own. What your genes mean for a combination product is less clear, because the dose and the other ingredients can change things. If you take Amlodipine and atorvastatin, it's worth talking over with your prescriber or pharmacist. How we handle combination products.
What's in Amlodipine and atorvastatin
Amlodipine No known pharmacogenetics
No strong published pharmacogenetic guideline currently applies to amlodipine.
Atorvastatin Affected by SLCO1B1
Affected by SLCO1B1. Guidance from CPIC, strong evidence.
Read the full atorvastatin genetics guideAtorvastatin phenotype recommendations
Published guidance from CPIC on how atorvastatin should be dosed or substituted based on your SLCO1B1 phenotype.
| Phenotype | What it means | Recommendation | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Increased FunctionSLCO1B1 | Your genes point to a typical response to this statin, so the usual dose is used. | CPIC Prescribe desired starting dose and adjust doses of atorvastatin based on disease-specific guidelines. |
Strong |
| Normal FunctionSLCO1B1 | Your genes point to a typical response to this statin, so the usual dose is used. | CPIC Prescribe desired starting dose and adjust doses of atorvastatin based on disease-specific guidelines. |
Strong |
| Decreased FunctionSLCO1B1 | More of this statin stays in your blood, which can raise the chance of muscle side effects. Your doctor may limit the dose. | CPIC Prescribe ≤40 mg as a starting dose and adjust doses of atorvastatin based on disease-specific guidelines. Prescriber should be aware of possible increased risk for myopathy especially for the 40-mg dose. If dose >40 mg is needed for desired efficacy, consider combination therapy (i.e., atorvastatin plus nonstatin guideline-directed medical therapy). |
Moderate |
| Possible Decreased FunctionSLCO1B1 | More of this statin stays in your blood, which can raise the chance of muscle side effects. Your doctor may limit the dose. | CPIC Prescribe ≤40 mg as a starting dose and adjust doses of atorvastatin based on disease-specific guidelines. Prescriber should be aware of possible increased risk for myopathy especially for the 40-mg dose. If dose >40 mg is needed for desired efficacy, consider combination therapy (i.e., atorvastatin plus nonstatin guideline-directed medical therapy). |
Moderate |
| Poor FunctionSLCO1B1 | More of this statin stays in your blood, which raises the chance of muscle side effects. Your doctor may use a lower dose or a different statin. | CPIC Prescribe ≤20 mg as a starting dose and adjust doses of atorvastatin based on disease-specific guidelines. If dose >20 mg is needed for desired efficacy, consider rosuvastatin or combination therapy (i.e., atorvastatin plus nonstatin guideline-directed medical therapy). |
Moderate |
| Possible Poor FunctionSLCO1B1 | More of this statin stays in your blood, which raises the chance of muscle side effects. Your doctor may use a lower dose or a different statin. | CPIC Prescribe ≤20 mg as a starting dose and adjust doses of atorvastatin based on disease-specific guidelines. If dose >20 mg is needed for desired efficacy, consider rosuvastatin or combination therapy (i.e., atorvastatin plus nonstatin guideline-directed medical therapy). |
Moderate |
| IndeterminateSLCO1B1 | The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown. | CPIC Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose. |
Not rated |
| Not availableSLCO1B1 | The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown. | CPIC Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose. |
Not rated |
Source: CPIC
The gene behind the guidance
SLCO1B1 Solute Carrier Organic Anion Transporter 1B1
SLCO1B1 is the transporter that moves statins into liver cells where they work. A common variant (called *5) reduces transporter function and leaves more statin circulating in the bloodstream and muscle tissue. That's directly linked to statin-associated muscle pain and, rarely, more serious muscle damage.
People with reduced SLCO1B1 function are at higher risk of statin myopathy, especially on simvastatin and high-dose atorvastatin. Dose reduction or switching statin usually resolves it.
See all drugs affected by SLCO1B1Browse the full drug class: Statins.
Related medications
Find out how your genetics affect Amlodipine and atorvastatin
Informational only, not medical advice. Pharmacogenetic guidance describes population-level patterns; your individual response depends on many factors. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to your prescribing clinician.