Drug interactions
Doxycycline + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel
Severity: Minor
Doxycycline and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel: 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 theorized to reduce contraceptive hormone levels through altered gut flora. Pharmacokinetic and clinical data have not shown a meaningful loss of contraceptive efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxycycline and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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 belongs to Anti Bacterial; Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Theoretical decrease in enterohepatic recirculation of ethinyl estradiol via altered gut flora; not established.
What to do
No extra contraception is routinely needed; advise backup contraception 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 Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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 Doxycycline with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Doxycycline and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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 theorized to reduce contraceptive hormone levels through altered gut flora. Pharmacokinetic and clinical data have not shown a meaningful loss of contraceptive efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Doxycycline and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
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 extra contraception is routinely needed; advise backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel page.
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