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Drug interactions

Dabigatran etexilate + Levoketoconazole

Severity: Major

Dabigatran etexilate and Levoketoconazole: major interaction.

Last updated

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

Ketoconazole inhibits P-gp and increases dabigatran exposure. Levoketoconazole is the active enantiomer and is expected to behave similarly, raising bleeding risk especially in renal impairment.

What this interaction means in plain words

Dabigatran etexilate 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.

Dabigatran etexilate belongs to Cardiovascular; Levoketoconazole belongs to Endocrine.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

P-glycoprotein inhibition by levoketoconazole reduces dabigatran efflux, increasing absorption and plasma levels.

What to do

Avoid the combination in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment, and consider dabigatran dose reduction per labeling when CrCl is 30-50 mL/min for atrial fibrillation. Monitor for bleeding and renal function.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Dabigatran etexilate with Levoketoconazole?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dabigatran etexilate 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. Ketoconazole inhibits P-gp and increases dabigatran exposure. Levoketoconazole is the active enantiomer and is expected to behave similarly, raising bleeding risk especially in renal impairment.

How serious is the interaction between Dabigatran etexilate 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: Avoid the combination in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment, and consider dabigatran dose reduction per labeling when CrCl is 30-50 mL/min for atrial fibrillation. Monitor for bleeding and renal function.

What other medicines interact with Dabigatran etexilate?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Dabigatran etexilate with, for example, Defibrotide, Ketorolac, Mifepristone. The full list is on the Dabigatran etexilate page.

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