Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Levoketoconazole
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine and Levoketoconazole: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Levoketoconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise buprenorphine concentrations, increasing the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. It also prolongs the QT interval, adding to cardiac risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Levoketoconazole can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Levoketoconazole belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated buprenorphine metabolism, with additive QTc prolongation.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and QTc, and reduce the buprenorphine dose if needed. Reassess dosing when levoketoconazole is stopped.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Buprenorphine
- Alvimopan + Buprenorphine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Levoketoconazole
- Alfuzosin + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Levoketoconazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Levoketoconazole can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Levoketoconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise buprenorphine concentrations, increasing the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. It also prolongs the QT interval, adding to cardiac risk.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Levoketoconazole?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and QTc, and reduce the buprenorphine dose if needed. Reassess dosing when levoketoconazole is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Buprenorphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Buprenorphine page.
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