Drug interactions
Cefotaxime + Ethinylestradiol
Severity: Minor
Cefotaxime 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
Antibiotics have been theorized to lower oral estrogen levels by disrupting gut flora involved in enterohepatic recirculation. Pharmacokinetic studies with non-rifamycin antibiotics generally show no clinically relevant loss of contraceptive efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefotaxime 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 in enterohepatic recycling of ethinylestradiol due to altered gut flora.
What to do
No routine additional contraception is required. Counsel on missed-pill rules 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 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 Ethinylestradiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cefotaxime 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. Antibiotics have been theorized to lower oral estrogen levels by disrupting gut flora involved in enterohepatic recirculation. Pharmacokinetic studies with non-rifamycin antibiotics generally show no clinically relevant loss of contraceptive efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Cefotaxime 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 required. Counsel on missed-pill rules if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
What other medicines interact with Cefotaxime?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefotaxime with, for example, Typhoid vaccine live, Amikacin, Cholera vaccine. The full list is on the Cefotaxime page.
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