Ketoconazole-tacrolimus coadministration in kidney transplant recipients: two-year results of a prospective randomized study.

Background/aims: In developing countries, kidney transplantation is greatly hindered by financial problems, especially due to costly newer immunosuppressive medications. Ketoconazole increases blood levels of tacrolimus and cyclosporine through inhibition of cytochrome P450 microsomal enzymes. We previously reported on the 6-month safety and the outstanding impact on treatment costs of the ketoconazole-tacrolimus combination in kidney transplant recipients.

Co-administration of ketoconazole to tacrolimus-treated kidney transplant recipients: a prospective randomized study.

Background: Since the introduction of calcineurin inhibitors, there has been a significant improvement in the results of solid organ transplantation, including graft and patient survival. However, high cost, chronic nephrotoxicity and other side effects stand as major challenges for long-term use of these drugs. The long-term safety and financial benefits of the combination ketoconazole-cyclosporine previously studied.