Drug interactions
Cefaclor + Ethinylestradiol
Severity: Minor
Cefaclor and Ethinylestradiol: 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 have been theorised to reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Pharmacokinetic studies with most non-rifamycin antibiotics show no consistent fall in hormone levels, and the real risk of contraceptive failure appears very low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefaclor and Ethinylestradiol 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 gut flora that hydrolyse estrogen conjugates, decreasing enterohepatic recirculation of ethinylestradiol.
What to do
No routine additional contraception is needed; counsel the patient to use backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhoea occurs during the illness.
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 Cefaclor
- Bcg vaccine live + Cefaclor Moderate
- Cefaclor + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefaclor + Kanamycin Moderate
- Cefaclor + Microbiota Moderate
- Cefaclor + Plazomicin Moderate
- Cefaclor + Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefaclor with Ethinylestradiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cefaclor and Ethinylestradiol 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 have been theorised to reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Pharmacokinetic studies with most non-rifamycin antibiotics show no consistent fall in hormone levels, and the real risk of contraceptive failure appears very low.
How serious is the interaction between Cefaclor and Ethinylestradiol?
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 needed; counsel the patient to use backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhoea occurs during the illness.
What other medicines interact with Cefaclor?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefaclor with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Cholera vaccine, Kanamycin. The full list is on the Cefaclor page.
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