Concerns Taking Itraconazole And Olanzapine Together

Hello there! Thank you for contacting us.

There is an interaction between olanzapine and itraconazole, and various sources categorize its severity differently. On our website, we have categorized it as a 'major' interaction.

Details of the Interaction

Your concern about itraconazole increasing olanzapine levels is not the issue between them. They aren't known to interact this way. Instead, the interaction between these drugs relates to an increased risk of 'QT prolongation,' a heart condition that can cause irregular heartbeats and other complications.

Both olanzapine and itraconazole are associated with QT prolongation, which is mentioned in their respective prescribing information (olanzapine under 'ECG Changes' and itraconazole under 'warnings'). Therefore, the concern is the combined use of two drugs with this risk, which increases the likelihood of QT prolongation occurring.

Managing the Interaction

While there is an interaction, olanzapine and itraconazole can still be taken together, in most cases, without immediate action.

However, individuals at higher risk of QT prolongation may benefit from increased ECG monitoring or avoiding the combination altogether. I strongly advise discussing this with your doctor to assess your risk. Risk factors for QT prolongation are wide-ranging and include older age, low heart rate, low potassium levels, and heart disease.

Additional Information

You also asked in your submission whether the effects of itraconazole will go away if you stop taking it and about the risk of hair loss.

If you're considering stopping itraconazole, the effects of the medication will go away over time. This needs to be weighed with the potential risks of staying on it while taking olanzapine.

Regarding hair loss, both drugs list alopecia ('hair loss') as an infrequent side effect in their prescribing information, so it has been reported, but is unlikely to occur.

Final Words

Thank you once again for reaching out. I hope you find this information helpful.