Drug interactions
Ethosuximide + Itraconazole
Severity: Moderate
Ethosuximide and Itraconazole: 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
Itraconazole may raise ethosuximide concentrations because ethosuximide is partly cleared by CYP3A4. Higher levels could cause nausea, drowsiness, dizziness or ataxia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethosuximide and Itraconazole 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.
Ethosuximide belongs to Central Nervous System; Itraconazole belongs to Anti Fungals.
Why it happens
Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of ethosuximide.
What to do
Monitor for ethosuximide toxicity and check serum levels when itraconazole is started or stopped. Reduce the ethosuximide dose if adverse effects appear.
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 Itraconazole
- Alfuzosin + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Itraconazole Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ethosuximide
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Ethosuximide Major
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Ethosuximide Major
- Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Ethosuximide Major
- Buprenorphine transdermal + Ethosuximide Major
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Ethosuximide Major
- Ethosuximide + Fentanyl intranasal Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethosuximide with Itraconazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethosuximide and Itraconazole 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. Itraconazole may raise ethosuximide concentrations because ethosuximide is partly cleared by CYP3A4. Higher levels could cause nausea, drowsiness, dizziness or ataxia.
How serious is the interaction between Ethosuximide and Itraconazole?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for ethosuximide toxicity and check serum levels when itraconazole is started or stopped. Reduce the ethosuximide dose if adverse effects appear.
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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