Drug interactions
Cariprazine + Itraconazole
Severity: Major
Cariprazine and Itraconazole: 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
Itraconazole increases exposure to cariprazine and its active metabolites, raising the risk of akathisia, extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation and other dose-related effects. The active metabolites have long half-lives, so effects persist after stopping.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cariprazine and Itraconazole 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.
Cariprazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Itraconazole belongs to Anti Fungals.
Why it happens
Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4, the main enzyme metabolising cariprazine.
What to do
Reduce the cariprazine dose according to labeling (about half when starting itraconazole in a patient on cariprazine). Monitor for extrapyramidal and metabolic adverse effects, and adjust when itraconazole 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 Itraconazole
- Alfuzosin + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Itraconazole Contraindicated
Other interactions of Cariprazine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cariprazine with Itraconazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cariprazine and Itraconazole 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. Itraconazole increases exposure to cariprazine and its active metabolites, raising the risk of akathisia, extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation and other dose-related effects. The active metabolites have long half-lives, so effects persist after stopping.
How serious is the interaction between Cariprazine and Itraconazole?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce the cariprazine dose according to labeling (about half when starting itraconazole in a patient on cariprazine). Monitor for extrapyramidal and metabolic adverse effects, and adjust when itraconazole is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Itraconazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Itraconazole with, for example, Alfuzosin, Alprazolam, Avanafil. The full list is on the Itraconazole page.
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