Drug interactions
Ciprofloxacin + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel
Severity: Minor
Ciprofloxacin 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
Ciprofloxacin has been proposed to lower contraceptive hormone levels by disrupting gut bacteria involved in estrogen recycling. Pharmacokinetic studies have not shown a meaningful loss of contraceptive efficacy with this antibiotic.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ciprofloxacin 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.
Ciprofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Theoretical reduction of enterohepatic recirculation of ethinyl estradiol through altered gut flora; not established for fluoroquinolones.
What to do
No additional contraception is generally required; counsel the patient to use 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?
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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 Ciprofloxacin
- Agomelatine + Ciprofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Tizanidine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alosetron + Ciprofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ciprofloxacin with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ciprofloxacin 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. Ciprofloxacin has been proposed to lower contraceptive hormone levels by disrupting gut bacteria involved in estrogen recycling. Pharmacokinetic studies have not shown a meaningful loss of contraceptive efficacy with this antibiotic.
How serious is the interaction between Ciprofloxacin 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: No additional contraception is generally required; counsel the patient to use backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea 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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