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Drug interactions

Ciprofloxacin + Mestranol

Severity: Minor

Ciprofloxacin and Mestranol: 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 not been shown to lower oral contraceptive hormone levels or to cause ovulation breakthrough in studies. The suspected effect via gut flora is theoretical and the risk of contraceptive failure is very low.

What this interaction means in plain words

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

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Theoretical reduction of enterohepatic recycling of estrogen through altered gut flora; not established for ciprofloxacin.

What to do

No additional contraception is usually needed. Advise extra precautions if vomiting or diarrhoea 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 Ciprofloxacin with Mestranol?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ciprofloxacin and Mestranol 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 not been shown to lower oral contraceptive hormone levels or to cause ovulation breakthrough in studies. The suspected effect via gut flora is theoretical and the risk of contraceptive failure is very low.

How serious is the interaction between Ciprofloxacin and Mestranol?

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 usually needed. Advise extra precautions if vomiting or diarrhoea 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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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