Drug interactions
Cefepime + Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate
Severity: Minor
Cefepime and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate: 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
It has been theorized that broad-spectrum antibiotics reduce gut bacteria that recycle ethinylestradiol, lowering hormone levels. Pharmacokinetic studies with most non-rifamycin antibiotics have not shown a consistent drop in contraceptive hormone levels, and clinical evidence of contraceptive failure is weak.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefepime and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate 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 enterohepatic recirculation of ethinylestradiol through suppression of intestinal flora; not well established.
What to do
No routine change is needed, though patients should be told to continue the contraceptive as usual and to use a backup method 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 Cefepime
- Amikacin + Cefepime Moderate
- Cefepime + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefepime + Dexamethasone-tobramycin Moderate
- Cefepime + Gentamicin Moderate
- Cefepime + Kanamycin Moderate
- Cefepime + Microbiota Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefepime with Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cefepime and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. It has been theorized that broad-spectrum antibiotics reduce gut bacteria that recycle ethinylestradiol, lowering hormone levels. Pharmacokinetic studies with most non-rifamycin antibiotics have not shown a consistent drop in contraceptive hormone levels, and clinical evidence of contraceptive failure is weak.
How serious is the interaction between Cefepime and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate?
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, though patients should be told to continue the contraceptive as usual and to use a backup method if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
What other medicines interact with Cefepime?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefepime with, for example, Amikacin, Cholera vaccine, Dexamethasone-tobramycin. The full list is on the Cefepime page.
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