Drug interactions
Eszopiclone + Ketoconazole
Severity: Moderate
Eszopiclone and Ketoconazole: moderate 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 substantially increases eszopiclone exposure, intensifying next-day sedation, impaired alertness and complex sleep behaviors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Eszopiclone and Ketoconazole can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Eszopiclone belongs to Central Nervous System; Ketoconazole belongs to Anti Fungals.
Why it happens
Strong CYP3A4 inhibition reduces eszopiclone clearance.
What to do
Limit eszopiclone to the labeled maximum for use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (2 mg nightly) and monitor for residual sedation.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Ketoconazole
- Alfuzosin + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
Other interactions of Eszopiclone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Eszopiclone with Ketoconazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Eszopiclone and Ketoconazole can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Ketoconazole substantially increases eszopiclone exposure, intensifying next-day sedation, impaired alertness and complex sleep behaviors.
How serious is the interaction between Eszopiclone and Ketoconazole?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Limit eszopiclone to the labeled maximum for use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (2 mg nightly) and monitor for residual sedation.
What other medicines interact with Ketoconazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ketoconazole with, for example, Alfuzosin, Alprazolam, Avanafil. The full list is on the Ketoconazole page.
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