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Drug interactions

Cefadroxil + Mestranol

Severity: Minor

Cefadroxil and Mestranol: 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 have been theorised to lower estrogen exposure by altering gut bacteria involved in enterohepatic recycling. Evidence for non-rifamycin antibiotics such as cefadroxil shows no consistent reduction in contraceptive efficacy. The clinical risk is very low.

What this interaction means in plain words

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

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Proposed reduced enterohepatic recycling of estrogen through gut flora changes, not established for cephalosporins.

What to do

No routine change is needed. Advise backup contraception 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 Cefadroxil with Mestranol?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cefadroxil and Mestranol 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 have been theorised to lower estrogen exposure by altering gut bacteria involved in enterohepatic recycling. Evidence for non-rifamycin antibiotics such as cefadroxil shows no consistent reduction in contraceptive efficacy. The clinical risk is very low.

How serious is the interaction between Cefadroxil and Mestranol?

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 change is needed. Advise backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.

What other medicines interact with Cefadroxil?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefadroxil with, for example, Amikacin, Avelumab, Balstilimab. The full list is on the Cefadroxil page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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