Drug interactions
Ciprofloxacin + Ethinylestradiol
Severity: Minor
Ciprofloxacin 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
Non-rifamycin antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin have not been convincingly shown to reduce contraceptive efficacy, although gut flora effects have been proposed. Any risk of contraceptive failure is considered low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ciprofloxacin 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
Hypothesized reduction of enterohepatic recycling of ethinylestradiol via altered intestinal flora; not established.
What to do
No additional contraception is routinely required. 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?
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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 Ethinylestradiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ciprofloxacin 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. Non-rifamycin antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin have not been convincingly shown to reduce contraceptive efficacy, although gut flora effects have been proposed. Any risk of contraceptive failure is considered low.
How serious is the interaction between Ciprofloxacin 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 additional contraception is routinely required. Advise backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
What other medicines interact with Ciprofloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ciprofloxacin with, for example, Agomelatine, Fezolinetant, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Ciprofloxacin page.
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