Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol: 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
Clarithromycin has been theorised to reduce contraceptive hormone exposure by disrupting gut flora that recycle ethinyl estradiol. Clinical evidence of contraceptive failure with non-rifamycin antibiotics is weak. Clarithromycin may also modestly raise estrogen levels via CYP3A4 inhibition.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Proposed reduction in enterohepatic recycling of ethinyl estradiol through altered intestinal flora, with possible weak CYP3A4 inhibition by clarithromycin.
What to do
No routine additional contraception is required for short courses; advise patients to use backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs. Counsel to report breakthrough bleeding.
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 Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Amobarbital + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Anastrozole + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Apalutamide + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Atazanavir + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
Other interactions of Clarithromycin
- Astemizole + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Conivaptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Clarithromycin has been theorised to reduce contraceptive hormone exposure by disrupting gut flora that recycle ethinyl estradiol. Clinical evidence of contraceptive failure with non-rifamycin antibiotics is weak. Clarithromycin may also modestly raise estrogen levels via CYP3A4 inhibition.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
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 routine additional contraception is required for short courses; advise patients to use backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs. Counsel to report breakthrough bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with, for example, Fezolinetant, Aminocaproic acid, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol page.
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