Drug interactions
Ketoconazole + Pitavastatin
Severity: Minor
Ketoconazole and Pitavastatin: 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
Pitavastatin exposure may increase with ketoconazole, though pitavastatin has little CYP3A4 metabolism so the effect is expected to be small. Higher levels could raise the risk of myopathy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketoconazole and Pitavastatin 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; Pitavastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Ketoconazole may inhibit OATP1B1-mediated hepatic uptake of pitavastatin.
What to do
No dose change is usually needed; advise patients to report unexplained muscle pain or weakness.
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 Ketoconazole
- Alfuzosin + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
Other interactions of Pitavastatin
- Cyclosporine + Pitavastatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Pitavastatin Contraindicated
- Erythromycin base + Pitavastatin Major
- Erythromycin ethylsuccinate + Pitavastatin Major
- Erythromycin lactobionate + Pitavastatin Major
- Erythromycin stearate + Pitavastatin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ketoconazole with Pitavastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ketoconazole and Pitavastatin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Pitavastatin exposure may increase with ketoconazole, though pitavastatin has little CYP3A4 metabolism so the effect is expected to be small. Higher levels could raise the risk of myopathy.
How serious is the interaction between Ketoconazole and Pitavastatin?
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 change is usually needed; advise patients to report unexplained muscle pain or weakness.
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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