Skip to content

Drug interactions

Ketoconazole + Palbociclib

Severity: Major

Ketoconazole and Palbociclib: major 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 raises palbociclib exposure, which may increase neutropenia and other adverse effects.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ketoconazole and Palbociclib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.

Ketoconazole belongs to Anti Fungals; Palbociclib belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Strong CYP3A4 inhibition reduces palbociclib metabolism.

What to do

Avoid strong CYP3A inhibitors. If unavoidable, reduce palbociclib to the labeled lower dose and monitor blood counts.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
  • Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
  • What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Ketoconazole and Palbociclib, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Ketoconazole with Palbociclib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ketoconazole and Palbociclib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Ketoconazole raises palbociclib exposure, which may increase neutropenia and other adverse effects.

How serious is the interaction between Ketoconazole and Palbociclib?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid strong CYP3A inhibitors. If unavoidable, reduce palbociclib to the labeled lower dose and monitor blood counts.

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.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in