Drug interactions
Ketoconazole + Valsartan
Severity: Minor
Ketoconazole and Valsartan: 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 could modestly raise valsartan exposure and enhance its blood pressure lowering effect. The interaction is predicted from transporter data and is unlikely to be clinically large.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketoconazole and Valsartan 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; Valsartan belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Possible inhibition of hepatic uptake transport (OATP1B1) of valsartan, though this is not firmly established for ketoconazole.
What to do
No routine dose change is needed. Monitor blood pressure and for hypotension when starting ketoconazole.
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 Valsartan
- Aliskiren + Valsartan Contraindicated
- Sparsentan + Valsartan Contraindicated
- Aldesleukin + Valsartan Major
- Amifostine + Valsartan Major
- Amiloride + Valsartan Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Valsartan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ketoconazole with Valsartan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ketoconazole and Valsartan 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 could modestly raise valsartan exposure and enhance its blood pressure lowering effect. The interaction is predicted from transporter data and is unlikely to be clinically large.
How serious is the interaction between Ketoconazole and Valsartan?
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 routine dose change is needed. Monitor blood pressure and for hypotension when starting ketoconazole.
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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