Drug interactions
Clindamycin + Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate
Severity: Minor
Clindamycin and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate: 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
Broad-spectrum antibiotics have been theorised to reduce gut bacterial recycling of ethinylestradiol, potentially lowering hormone levels. For clindamycin, controlled data do not show a consistent loss of contraceptive efficacy, so any risk of contraceptive failure is considered low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clindamycin and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate 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
Proposed reduction of enterohepatic recirculation of estrogen through alteration of intestinal flora, which is not well supported for clindamycin.
What to do
No routine change to the contraceptive is needed. Counsel the patient to use backup contraception 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 Clindamycin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clindamycin with Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clindamycin and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Broad-spectrum antibiotics have been theorised to reduce gut bacterial recycling of ethinylestradiol, potentially lowering hormone levels. For clindamycin, controlled data do not show a consistent loss of contraceptive efficacy, so any risk of contraceptive failure is considered low.
How serious is the interaction between Clindamycin and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate?
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 change to the contraceptive is needed. Counsel the patient to use backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs during the antibiotic course.
What other medicines interact with Clindamycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clindamycin with, for example, Atracurium, Cisatracurium, Microbiota. The full list is on the Clindamycin page.
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