Drug interactions
Cefadroxil + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
Severity: Minor
Cefadroxil and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol: 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
Concern has been raised that antibiotics could reduce enterohepatic recycling of ethinyl estradiol and weaken contraception. Pharmacokinetic and epidemiologic data do not show a meaningful loss of efficacy with non-enzyme-inducing antibiotics such as cephalosporins.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefadroxil and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Cefadroxil belongs to Anti Bacterial; Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Theoretical reduction of gut flora that deconjugates estrogen metabolites, lowering enterohepatic recirculation.
What to do
No change in contraception is generally needed; counsel on missed pills 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 Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Amobarbital + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Anastrozole + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Apalutamide + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Atazanavir + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
Other interactions of Cefadroxil
- Amikacin + Cefadroxil Moderate
- Avelumab + Cefadroxil Moderate
- Balstilimab + Cefadroxil Moderate
- Bcg vaccine live + Cefadroxil Moderate
- Cefadroxil + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefadroxil + Gentamicin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefadroxil with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cefadroxil and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Concern has been raised that antibiotics could reduce enterohepatic recycling of ethinyl estradiol and weaken contraception. Pharmacokinetic and epidemiologic data do not show a meaningful loss of efficacy with non-enzyme-inducing antibiotics such as cephalosporins.
How serious is the interaction between Cefadroxil and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
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 change in contraception is generally needed; counsel on missed pills if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
What other medicines interact with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with, for example, Fezolinetant, Aminocaproic acid, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol page.
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