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Drug interactions

Cefaclor + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone

Severity: Minor

Cefaclor and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone: 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 were once thought to reduce contraceptive efficacy by altering gut flora and enterohepatic recycling of estrogen. Controlled data show no consistent reduction in hormone levels or ovulation suppression with non-rifamycin antibiotics, so the risk is very low.

What this interaction means in plain words

Cefaclor and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.

Cefaclor belongs to Anti Bacterial; Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Theoretical reduction of enterohepatic recirculation of ethinyl estradiol through gut flora changes; not well supported.

What to do

No additional contraception is routinely required; advise backup 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Cefaclor with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cefaclor and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone 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 were once thought to reduce contraceptive efficacy by altering gut flora and enterohepatic recycling of estrogen. Controlled data show no consistent reduction in hormone levels or ovulation suppression with non-rifamycin antibiotics, so the risk is very low.

How serious is the interaction between Cefaclor and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

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; advise backup if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.

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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