Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Tetracycline
Severity: Minor
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Tetracycline: 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
Controlled data show tetracyclines do not meaningfully reduce contraceptive hormone levels or ovulation suppression. Isolated reports of failure exist but causality is unproven.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Tetracycline 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; Tetracycline belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Theoretical reduction of enterohepatic recycling of ethinyl estradiol via gut flora changes.
What to do
No routine extra contraception is required; advise backup 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 Tetracycline
- Acitretin + Tetracycline Contraindicated
- Methoxyflurane + Tetracycline Contraindicated
- Isotretinoin + Tetracycline Major
- Palovarotene + Tetracycline Major
- Strontium ranelate + Tetracycline Major
- Tetracycline + Tretinoin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Tetracycline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Tetracycline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Controlled data show tetracyclines do not meaningfully reduce contraceptive hormone levels or ovulation suppression. Isolated reports of failure exist but causality is unproven.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Tetracycline?
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 extra contraception is required; advise backup 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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