Ketoconazole Effects on the Daily Cortisol Rhythm in Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion
Ketoconazole Effects on Cortisol Circadian Rhythm in Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion: A Pilot Study
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
36 participants
Jul 22, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Background: Cortisol is a hormone in the blood. Cortisol levels normally go down at night and up in the morning. Mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) is a disease in which the body makes too much cortisol. MACS can cause high blood pressure, diabetes, and/or weight gain. Researchers think these problems may be caused by higher cortisol levels at night. Objective: To compare daily cortisol levels in people with MACS with those in healthy people. Also, to test a drug (ketoconazole) that may help lower cortisol levels in people with MACS. Eligibility: People aged 18 years and older with MACS. Healthy volunteers are also needed. Design: Participants with MACS will have a 2-night stay in the hospital. Day 1: A thin tube called a catheter will be inserted into a vein in the arm. Blood will be collected through the catheter every 2 hours starting at 8 PM. Participants will begin a 24-hour urine collection. Saliva will be collected every 6 hours for 24 hours. Day 2: Participants will take 2 tablets of the study drug ketoconazole with their evening meal. Blood will be collected via the catheter at regular intervals throughout the night. Day 3: Participants will leave the hospital in the morning. Healthy volunteers will be screened with a physical exam and blood tests. They will be tested to make sure they do not have MACS. To do this, they will take a drug (dexamethasone) at 11 PM on a day they choose; then they will return the next morning for a blood test. Healthy volunteers will have a 1-night stay in the hospital. They will have blood, urine, and saliva collected for 24 hours.
Eligibility
Plain Language Summary
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Interventions
Antifungal medication that blocks adrenal steroidogenesis, including cortisol production, at higher doses
Locations(1)
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NCT07649317