Ketoconazole and Zaleplon interaction
Ketoconazole and Zaleplon: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
From the Ketoconazole label · effective 2026-07-07
This may potentiate and prolong hypnotic and sedative effects, especially with repeated dosing or chronic administration of these agents.
…methadone when coadministered with ketoconazole tablets may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events including QT prolongation and torsade de pointes, or respiratory or CNS depression [See CONTRAINDICATIONS .] Fentanyl: The potential increase in plasma concentrations of fentanyl when coadministered with ketoconazole tablets may increase the risk of…
Antipsychotics, Anxiolytics and Hypnotics Lurasidone, alprazolam, oral midazolam, pimozide, triazolam aripiprazole, buspirone, haloperidol, midazolam IV, quetiapine, ramelteon, risperidone The increase in plasma concentrations of lurasidone when coadministered with ketoconazole tablets may increase the risk of serious side effects (See CONTRAINDICATIONS ).
From the Zaleplon label · effective 2025-10-08
Drugs That Inhibit CYP3A4 CYP3A4 is a minor metabolic pathway for the elimination of zaleplon because the sum of desethylzaleplon (formed via CYP3A4 in vitro) and its metabolites, 5-oxo-desethylzaleplon and 5-oxo-desethylzaleplon glucuronide, account for only 9% of the urinary recovery of a zaleplon dose.
Coadministration of single, oral doses of zaleplon with erythromycin (10 mg and 800 mg respectively), a strong, selective CYP3A4 inhibitor, produced a 34% increase in zaleplon's maximal plasma concentrations and a 20% increase in the area under the plasma concentration-time curve.
Other strong selective CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole can also be expected to increase the exposure of zaleplon.
Taking more than these two? Interactions stack. Check your whole list at once; it stays in your browser.
Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.