Can I take Ketoconazole and Itraconazole together?

Ketoconazole and Itraconazole are both inhibitors of ergosterol synthesis, thereby stopping cell membrane formation in the fungi. Therefore, giving two drugs, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole together, is not beneficial to a patient. This is because they have the same mechanism of action.

Itraconazole is a triazole antifungal agent. It has activities against dermatophytes, yeasts, Aspergillus spp, and other fungi.

Ketoconazole is an imidazole derivative and a broad-spectrum antifungal agent. It is used for treating systemic antifungal infections resistant to other medications such as blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, etc.

Do not give both itraconazole and Ketoconazole to the same patient. They have the same pharmacological action. Both of them are antifungal medications belonging to the enzyme inhibitors class. If you give both of them, their level will increase greatly in the system, causing hepatoxicity.

Note: Ketoconazole is never a first-line antifungal agent. It is usually not even given unless no other antifungal drug is working due to its hepatotoxicity.

The singular advantage ketoconazole has over other antifungal drugs is that it deposit in the adipose tissue long enough to prolong its action. This is necessary when treating skin infections.

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