Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone: 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
Antibiotics have been theorized to reduce enterohepatic recycling of ethinyl estradiol by altering gut flora. Well-controlled data show that most non-rifamycin antibiotics do not meaningfully lower contraceptive efficacy, so the risk of contraceptive failure is low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone 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; Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Theoretical reduction of enterohepatic recirculation of ethinyl estradiol through changes in intestinal flora; not well established.
What to do
No change in contraception is generally required. Advise patients to continue taking the pill as usual and to use 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 Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone 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 Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Antibiotics have been theorized to reduce enterohepatic recycling of ethinyl estradiol by altering gut flora. Well-controlled data show that most non-rifamycin antibiotics do not meaningfully lower contraceptive efficacy, so the risk of contraceptive failure is low.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
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 change in contraception is generally required. Advise patients to continue taking the pill as usual and to use backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone page.
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