Drug interactions
Ketoconazole + Nifedipine
Severity: Moderate
Ketoconazole and Nifedipine: 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 markedly raises nifedipine exposure, which may cause hypotension, peripheral edema, flushing and tachycardia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketoconazole and Nifedipine 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 belongs to Anti Fungals; Nifedipine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Ketoconazole inhibits intestinal and hepatic CYP3A4 metabolism of nifedipine.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and edema and start with a lower nifedipine dose, titrating carefully. Consider an alternative antifungal or antihypertensive if hypotension is significant.
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 Nifedipine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ketoconazole with Nifedipine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ketoconazole and Nifedipine 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 markedly raises nifedipine exposure, which may cause hypotension, peripheral edema, flushing and tachycardia.
How serious is the interaction between Ketoconazole and Nifedipine?
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 blood pressure and edema and start with a lower nifedipine dose, titrating carefully. Consider an alternative antifungal or antihypertensive if hypotension is significant.
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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