Drug interactions
Ibuprofen + Ketoconazole
Severity: Minor
Ibuprofen and Ketoconazole: minor 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 may inhibit CYP2C9 and so modestly raise ibuprofen exposure. Ketoconazole is mainly a CYP3A4 inhibitor, so the effect on ibuprofen is expected to be small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibuprofen and Ketoconazole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Ibuprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal; Ketoconazole belongs to Anti Fungals.
Why it happens
Weak inhibition of CYP2C9-mediated ibuprofen metabolism.
What to do
No routine dose change is required. Use the lowest effective ibuprofen dose and watch for GI upset.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Ibuprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ibuprofen Major
- Amiloride + Ibuprofen Major
- Apixaban + Ibuprofen Major
Other interactions of Ketoconazole
- Alfuzosin + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibuprofen with Ketoconazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ibuprofen and Ketoconazole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Ketoconazole may inhibit CYP2C9 and so modestly raise ibuprofen exposure. Ketoconazole is mainly a CYP3A4 inhibitor, so the effect on ibuprofen is expected to be small.
How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen and Ketoconazole?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine dose change is required. Use the lowest effective ibuprofen dose and watch for GI upset.
What other medicines interact with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ibuprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Ibuprofen page.
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