Drug interactions
Ampicillin-sulbactam + Dienogest / estradiol valerate
Severity: Minor
Ampicillin-sulbactam and Dienogest / estradiol valerate: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Broad-spectrum antibiotics were once thought to reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives by disrupting gut flora that recycle estrogen. Pharmacokinetic studies have generally not shown a meaningful drop in hormone levels with penicillins, so the risk of contraceptive failure is low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ampicillin-sulbactam and Dienogest / estradiol valerate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Theoretical reduction of enterohepatic recirculation of estrogen through alteration of intestinal flora.
What to do
No additional contraception is routinely required; counsel the patient to use backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Ampicillin-sulbactam
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ampicillin-sulbactam with Dienogest / estradiol valerate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ampicillin-sulbactam and Dienogest / estradiol valerate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were once thought to reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives by disrupting gut flora that recycle estrogen. Pharmacokinetic studies have generally not shown a meaningful drop in hormone levels with penicillins, so the risk of contraceptive failure is low.
How serious is the interaction between Ampicillin-sulbactam and Dienogest / estradiol valerate?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No additional contraception is routinely required; counsel the patient to use backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
What other medicines interact with Ampicillin-sulbactam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ampicillin-sulbactam with, for example, Methotrexate, Allopurinol, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Ampicillin-sulbactam page.
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