Drug interactions
Candesartan + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
Severity: Moderate
Candesartan and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone: moderate 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
Both drospirenone and angiotensin receptor blockers reduce aldosterone effect and can raise serum potassium. Together they may cause clinically relevant hyperkalemia, especially in patients with renal impairment, diabetes or older age.
What this interaction means in plain words
Candesartan and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Candesartan belongs to Cardiovascular; Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Additive potassium retention from aldosterone receptor antagonism (drospirenone) and reduced aldosterone effect through angiotensin II receptor blockade.
What to do
Measure serum potassium during the first cycle of combined use and periodically afterward. Consider a contraceptive without drospirenone if potassium rises or renal function is impaired.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
Other interactions of Candesartan
- Aliskiren + Candesartan Contraindicated
- Candesartan + Sparsentan Contraindicated
- Amifostine + Candesartan Major
- Amiloride + Candesartan Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Candesartan Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Candesartan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Candesartan with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Candesartan and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Both drospirenone and angiotensin receptor blockers reduce aldosterone effect and can raise serum potassium. Together they may cause clinically relevant hyperkalemia, especially in patients with renal impairment, diabetes or older age.
How serious is the interaction between Candesartan and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Measure serum potassium during the first cycle of combined use and periodically afterward. Consider a contraceptive without drospirenone if potassium rises or renal function is impaired.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone page.
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