Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Dienogest / estradiol valerate
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Dienogest / estradiol valerate: 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 may increase estradiol and dienogest concentrations, causing estrogenic or progestogenic adverse effects such as breast tenderness, nausea and bleeding irregularities. The claimed reduction in contraceptive effect through gut flora is poorly supported for macrolides.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Dienogest / estradiol valerate 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
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4, which metabolizes both dienogest and estradiol.
What to do
No routine adjustment is needed. Advise the patient to report breast tenderness, headache or unusual 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 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 Dienogest / estradiol valerate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Dienogest / estradiol valerate 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 may increase estradiol and dienogest concentrations, causing estrogenic or progestogenic adverse effects such as breast tenderness, nausea and bleeding irregularities. The claimed reduction in contraceptive effect through gut flora is poorly supported for macrolides.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Dienogest / estradiol valerate?
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 adjustment is needed. Advise the patient to report breast tenderness, headache or unusual bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clarithromycin with, for example, Astemizole, Avanafil, Cisapride. The full list is on the Clarithromycin page.
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