Drug Interactions Newsletter

Volume 3, Issue 30, 08/23/2011

Question

How does the use of ketoconazole increase the patient's drug exposure of the antipsychotic, quetiapine (Seroquel) by over 522%?

Answer

Quetiapine (Seroquel) is a well known atypical antipsychotic that is used in patients with a number of psychiatric conditions including: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, ICU-associated delirium, and as adjunct in treatment of major depressive disorder.  Ketoconazole is an "azole" antifungal agent that is most commonly used to treat fungal infections (such as oral candidiasis, histoplasmosis, coccidiomycosis, and blastomycosis), but has also been used in the treatment of prostate cancer and/or other conditions where too many androgens are being produced.  The ability of ketoconazole to inhibit the production of androgens is...

.......To read the full answer please LOGIN or SUBSCRIBE NOW.