Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Levofloxacin
Severity: Minor
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Levofloxacin: 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
Non-rifamycin antibiotics have been theorized to reduce contraceptive efficacy by disrupting gut flora that recycle estrogen. Pharmacokinetic studies have generally not shown meaningful falls in hormone levels, and evidence of real contraceptive failure is weak.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Levofloxacin 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; Levofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
The theoretical mechanism is reduced enterohepatic recirculation of ethinyl estradiol through altered intestinal flora, which is not well established.
What to do
No additional contraception is routinely required; advise the patient to continue the pill and to use backup 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 Levofloxacin
- Dronedarone + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Levofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Levofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Levofloxacin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Non-rifamycin antibiotics have been theorized to reduce contraceptive efficacy by disrupting gut flora that recycle estrogen. Pharmacokinetic studies have generally not shown meaningful falls in hormone levels, and evidence of real contraceptive failure is weak.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Levofloxacin?
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 additional contraception is routinely required; advise the patient to continue the pill and to use backup 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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