Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate: 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 proposed to lower ethinyl estradiol exposure by disrupting gut flora involved in enterohepatic recycling, but pharmacokinetic studies show little effect and contraceptive failure is rare. Clarithromycin may also modestly inhibit CYP3A4, which could raise hormone levels slightly.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate 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-norgestimate belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Possible reduction of enterohepatic recirculation of estrogen through altered gut flora, plus weak CYP3A4 inhibition.
What to do
No routine additional contraception is needed, but advise it if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs during the antibiotic course.
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-norgestimate
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate 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-norgestimate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate 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 proposed to lower ethinyl estradiol exposure by disrupting gut flora involved in enterohepatic recycling, but pharmacokinetic studies show little effect and contraceptive failure is rare. Clarithromycin may also modestly inhibit CYP3A4, which could raise hormone levels slightly.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
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 needed, but advise it if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs during the antibiotic course.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate page.
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