Drug interactions
Ketoconazole + Pentobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Ketoconazole and Pentobarbital: 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
Pentobarbital induces CYP3A4 and may reduce ketoconazole concentrations, risking antifungal treatment failure with prolonged use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketoconazole and Pentobarbital 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.
Why it happens
Barbiturate-mediated CYP3A4 induction increases ketoconazole clearance.
What to do
Monitor antifungal response and consider an alternative agent if used long term.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ketoconazole with Pentobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ketoconazole and Pentobarbital 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. Pentobarbital induces CYP3A4 and may reduce ketoconazole concentrations, risking antifungal treatment failure with prolonged use.
How serious is the interaction between Ketoconazole and Pentobarbital?
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 antifungal response and consider an alternative agent if used long term.
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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