Drug interactions
Ketoconazole + Zaleplon
Severity: Moderate
Ketoconazole and Zaleplon: 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
Ketoconazole raises zaleplon exposure, which can increase sedation, psychomotor impairment, and next-day drowsiness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketoconazole and Zaleplon 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.
Ketoconazole belongs to Anti Fungals; Zaleplon belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Ketoconazole inhibits CYP3A4, a secondary metabolic pathway for zaleplon.
What to do
Use the lowest zaleplon dose (consider 5 mg) and warn about sedation and driving. Monitor for excessive drowsiness.
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
Other interactions of Zaleplon
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Sodium oxybate + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Brexanolone + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine transdermal + Zaleplon Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ketoconazole with Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ketoconazole and Zaleplon 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. Ketoconazole raises zaleplon exposure, which can increase sedation, psychomotor impairment, and next-day drowsiness.
How serious is the interaction between Ketoconazole and Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest zaleplon dose (consider 5 mg) and warn about sedation and driving. Monitor for excessive drowsiness.
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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