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Drug interactions

Ketoconazole + Norgestrel

Severity: Minor

Ketoconazole and Norgestrel: 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 increase norgestrel concentrations, which could raise the likelihood of progestogenic adverse effects. Contraceptive effectiveness is not expected to fall.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ketoconazole and Norgestrel 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 belongs to Anti Fungals; Norgestrel belongs to Endocrine.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Ketoconazole inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of norgestrel.

What to do

No dose adjustment is needed; advise patients to report side effects such as bleeding irregularities, nausea or headache.

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?

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 Ketoconazole with Norgestrel?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ketoconazole and Norgestrel 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 increase norgestrel concentrations, which could raise the likelihood of progestogenic adverse effects. Contraceptive effectiveness is not expected to fall.

How serious is the interaction between Ketoconazole and Norgestrel?

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 dose adjustment is needed; advise patients to report side effects such as bleeding irregularities, nausea or headache.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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