Drug interactions
Ciprofloxacin + Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate
Severity: Minor
Ciprofloxacin and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate: 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 shown to reduce hormonal contraceptive efficacy in pharmacokinetic studies. Theoretical concern about gut flora effects has little supporting evidence. The iron component may bind ciprofloxacin and lower its absorption.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ciprofloxacin and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate 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
Contraceptive effect is theoretical via altered gut flora; the iron salt may chelate oral ciprofloxacin.
What to do
No additional contraception is generally needed for ciprofloxacin. Separate ciprofloxacin from the iron-containing tablet by at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after, or use an iron-free product.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Ciprofloxacin and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ciprofloxacin and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate 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 shown to reduce hormonal contraceptive efficacy in pharmacokinetic studies. Theoretical concern about gut flora effects has little supporting evidence. The iron component may bind ciprofloxacin and lower its absorption.
How serious is the interaction between Ciprofloxacin and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate?
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 needed for ciprofloxacin. Separate ciprofloxacin from the iron-containing tablet by at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after, or use an iron-free product.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
