Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Progesterone
Severity: Major
Carbamazepine and Progesterone: major 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
Carbamazepine markedly accelerates progesterone metabolism, reducing its effects. This can cause breakthrough bleeding, inadequate endometrial protection, or failure of contraceptive or luteal support.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine and Progesterone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Carbamazepine belongs to Central Nervous System; Progesterone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4, increasing progesterone clearance.
What to do
Avoid reliance on progesterone for contraception or endometrial protection, and choose a non-hormonal contraceptive. Consider a higher progesterone dose or alternative therapy with monitoring when progesterone is required.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Progesterone
Other interactions of Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Progesterone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carbamazepine and Progesterone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Carbamazepine markedly accelerates progesterone metabolism, reducing its effects. This can cause breakthrough bleeding, inadequate endometrial protection, or failure of contraceptive or luteal support.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine and Progesterone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid reliance on progesterone for contraception or endometrial protection, and choose a non-hormonal contraceptive. Consider a higher progesterone dose or alternative therapy with monitoring when progesterone is required.
What other medicines interact with Progesterone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Progesterone with, for example, Apalutamide, Enzalutamide, Mavacamten. The full list is on the Progesterone page.
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