Drug interactions
Diltiazem + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
Severity: Minor
Diltiazem and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone: 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
Diltiazem is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor and may increase exposure to ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone. Drospirenone has anti-mineralocorticoid effects, so higher levels could raise potassium, though the effect is usually modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diltiazem and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Diltiazem belongs to Cardiovascular; Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Diltiazem inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of the contraceptive components.
What to do
No routine change is needed; monitor potassium in patients with renal impairment or on other potassium-raising drugs.
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 Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
Other interactions of Diltiazem
- Diltiazem + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Ivabradine Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Diltiazem Major
- Alfentanil + Diltiazem Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diltiazem with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Diltiazem and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Diltiazem is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor and may increase exposure to ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone. Drospirenone has anti-mineralocorticoid effects, so higher levels could raise potassium, though the effect is usually modest.
How serious is the interaction between Diltiazem and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
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 change is needed; monitor potassium in patients with renal impairment or on other potassium-raising drugs.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone page.
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