Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Nitrofurantoin
Severity: Minor
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nitrofurantoin: 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
Nitrofurantoin has not been shown to reduce the effectiveness of combined oral contraceptives. The theoretical concern of reduced ethinyl estradiol recycling through gut flora is not supported for non-enzyme-inducing antibiotics.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nitrofurantoin 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; Nitrofurantoin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Theoretical reduction of enterohepatic recycling of ethinyl estradiol through altered gut flora, not shown to be clinically relevant.
What to do
No change to contraception is needed; counsel the patient to continue pills as scheduled and to use backup contraception only 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 Nitrofurantoin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Nitrofurantoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nitrofurantoin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Nitrofurantoin has not been shown to reduce the effectiveness of combined oral contraceptives. The theoretical concern of reduced ethinyl estradiol recycling through gut flora is not supported for non-enzyme-inducing antibiotics.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nitrofurantoin?
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 to contraception is needed; counsel the patient to continue pills as scheduled and to use backup contraception only 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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