Study designs of evaluations included in the review
All study designs were eligible for inclusion in the review, however, randomised, controlled, double-blind studies were emphasised.
Specific interventions included in the review
The azole antifungal agents itraconazole, ketoconazole and fluconazole were examined for their interactions with: non sedating antihistamines; cisparide; cyclosporine; tacrolimus; digoxin; HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors; phenytoin; rifampin and isoniazid; warfarin; calcium-channel blockers; benzodiazepines; antiretrovirals and protease inhibitors; rifabutin; quinidine; corticosteroids; oral antidiabetic agents; antacids and sucralfate; and other agents. The majority of the data presented relate to cyclosporine, benzodiazepines and steroids.
Participants included in the review
Patients or healthy volunteers taking both azole antifungal agents and a concomitant drug.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The magnitude of the drug interaction was assessed in terms of the magnitude of the pharmacokinetic changes or a reduction in the dose of the concomitant medication.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors do not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many of the authors performed the selection.