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Drug interactions

Demeclocycline + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel

Severity: Minor

Demeclocycline and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel: 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

Tetracycline antibiotics have been theorized to lower ethinyl estradiol levels via gut flora changes. Controlled data do not show clear contraceptive failure, so the practical risk is low.

What this interaction means in plain words

Demeclocycline and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Theoretical reduced enterohepatic recirculation of ethinyl estradiol due to altered gut flora.

What to do

No routine additional contraception is needed. Advise missed pill rules 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Demeclocycline with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Demeclocycline and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Tetracycline antibiotics have been theorized to lower ethinyl estradiol levels via gut flora changes. Controlled data do not show clear contraceptive failure, so the practical risk is low.

How serious is the interaction between Demeclocycline and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?

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. Advise missed pill rules if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.

What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel page.

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