Eletriptan and Ketoconazole Topical: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Eletriptan
Ketoconazole Topical
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Increased eletriptan exposure
Interaction Deep Dive
Concomitant use of eletriptan (a CYP3A4 substrate) within at least 72 hours of treatment with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors is contraindicated because of the risk for increased eletriptan exposure and adverse reactions, including serious life-threatening reactions1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of eletriptan
Common questions
Can I take Eletriptan and Ketoconazole Topical together?
Increased eletriptan exposure Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Eletriptan and Ketoconazole Topical interaction?
It is rated contraindicated. These should generally not be used together.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Eletriptan or Ketoconazole Topical need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (1)
- Product Information: RELPAX(R) oral tablets, eletriptan hydrobromide oral tablets. Roerig (per FDA), New York, NY, 2013. DailyMed
Keep reading about Eletriptan
Keep reading about Ketoconazole Topical
These medications also interact with supplements
Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:
major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.
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