Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel
Severity: Minor
Chloramphenicol and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel: 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 theorised to lower contraceptive hormone levels via gut flora disruption, and isolated reports of contraceptive failure exist. Clinical evidence is weak, so the risk is low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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-levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Possible reduced enterohepatic recirculation of ethinyl estradiol through altered gut flora; not well established.
What to do
Advise additional barrier contraception during chloramphenicol therapy and for a short period after, particularly if GI upset 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 Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
Other interactions of Chloramphenicol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Chloramphenicol and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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 theorised to lower contraceptive hormone levels via gut flora disruption, and isolated reports of contraceptive failure exist. Clinical evidence is weak, so the risk is low.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise additional barrier contraception during chloramphenicol therapy and for a short period after, particularly if GI upset occurs.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel page.
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