Ketoconazole Topical and Lercanidipine: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Ketoconazole Topical
Lercanidipine
No brand names on record
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 calcium channel blockers that are CYP3A4 substrates exposure and an increased risk of calcium channel blockers that are CYP3A4 substrates-related adverse reactions
Interaction Deep Dive
Exert caution when ketoconazole is coadministered with calcium channel blockers that are CYP3A4 substrates, as it may increase these drugs exposure. Upon coadministration, monitor patients closely for signs or symptoms of increased or prolonged effects or side effects of these drugs, and reduce its dosage as deemed necessary. Calcium channel blockers can have a negative inotropic effect which may be additive to those of ketoconazole. Concomitant use may also increase the risk of edema and congestive heart failure1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism by ketoconazole; additive negative inotropic effect of calcium channel blockers
Common questions
Can I take Ketoconazole Topical and Lercanidipine together?
Increased calcium channel blockers that are CYP3A4 substrates exposure and an increased risk of calcium channel blockers that are CYP3A4 substrates-related adverse reactions Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Ketoconazole Topical and Lercanidipine interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
From our Q&A
Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Ketoconazole Topical or Lercanidipine 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: Ketoconazole oral tablet, ketoconazole oral tablet. Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A. Inc. (per DailyMed), Hawthorne, NY, 2024. DailyMed
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