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Drug interactions

Chloramphenicol + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone

Severity: Minor

Chloramphenicol and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone: 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

Chloramphenicol has been theorized to lower oral contraceptive effectiveness through gut flora changes, but evidence of contraceptive failure is sparse. Chloramphenicol can also inhibit hepatic enzymes, so the net effect is uncertain and probably small.

What this interaction means in plain words

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

Chloramphenicol belongs to Anti Bacterial; Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Theoretical reduction of enterohepatic recirculation of ethinyl estradiol through gut flora changes; not well established.

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 Chloramphenicol with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Chloramphenicol and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Chloramphenicol has been theorized to lower oral contraceptive effectiveness through gut flora changes, but evidence of contraceptive failure is sparse. Chloramphenicol can also inhibit hepatic enzymes, so the net effect is uncertain and probably small.

How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

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 Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone page.

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