Drug interactions
Ampicillin-sulbactam + Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate
Severity: Minor
Ampicillin-sulbactam and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate: 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
Antibiotics have been theorized to reduce combined oral contraceptive efficacy by altering gut flora involved in estrogen recycling. Evidence for penicillins shows little effect on hormone levels, and the risk of contraceptive failure is low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ampicillin-sulbactam and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate 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 ethinylestradiol through altered intestinal flora.
What to do
No routine additional contraception is required; advise backup methods 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 Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ampicillin-sulbactam and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Antibiotics have been theorized to reduce combined oral contraceptive efficacy by altering gut flora involved in estrogen recycling. Evidence for penicillins shows little effect on hormone levels, and the risk of contraceptive failure is low.
How serious is the interaction between Ampicillin-sulbactam and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate?
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 routine additional contraception is required; advise backup methods 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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