Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Doxycycline
Severity: Minor
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Doxycycline: 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
Doxycycline has been suspected of lowering oral contraceptive exposure, but controlled data show no consistent loss of ovulation suppression. Risk of contraceptive failure is low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Doxycycline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine; Doxycycline belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Theoretical reduction of gut flora that deconjugates estrogen metabolites, lowering enterohepatic recirculation.
What to do
No change in contraception is generally needed; counsel on missed pills 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 Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Amobarbital + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Anastrozole + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Apalutamide + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Atazanavir + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
Other interactions of Doxycycline
- Acitretin + Doxycycline Contraindicated
- Aminolevulinic acid + Doxycycline Major
- Cholera vaccine + Doxycycline Major
- Doxycycline + Isotretinoin Major
- Doxycycline + Methoxyflurane Major
- Doxycycline + Microbiota Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Doxycycline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Doxycycline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Doxycycline has been suspected of lowering oral contraceptive exposure, but controlled data show no consistent loss of ovulation suppression. Risk of contraceptive failure is low.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Doxycycline?
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 needed; counsel on missed pills if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
What other medicines interact with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with, for example, Fezolinetant, Aminocaproic acid, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol page.
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