Drug interactions
Cefotaxime + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
Severity: Minor
Cefotaxime 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
Cefotaxime is given parenterally, and there is no convincing evidence that it reduces oral contraceptive effectiveness. The proposed gut flora effect is theoretical.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefotaxime 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.
Cefotaxime 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 Cefotaxime
- Cefotaxime + Typhoid vaccine live Major
- Amikacin + Cefotaxime Moderate
- Cefotaxime + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefotaxime + Dexamethasone-tobramycin Moderate
- Cefotaxime + Gentamicin Moderate
- Cefotaxime + Kanamycin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefotaxime with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cefotaxime 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. Cefotaxime is given parenterally, and there is no convincing evidence that it reduces oral contraceptive effectiveness. The proposed gut flora effect is theoretical.
How serious is the interaction between Cefotaxime 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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