Drug interactions
Doxycycline + Ethinylestradiol
Severity: Minor
Doxycycline and Ethinylestradiol: 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
Antibiotics have been theorized to reduce contraceptive efficacy by disrupting gut flora and enterohepatic recycling of ethinylestradiol. Pharmacokinetic studies have not shown consistent reductions for doxycycline, so any contraceptive failure risk appears very low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxycycline and Ethinylestradiol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Theoretical reduction in enterohepatic recirculation of estrogen through altered intestinal flora; not consistently demonstrated.
What to do
No additional contraception is routinely required, but counsel patients 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 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 Ethinylestradiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Doxycycline and Ethinylestradiol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Antibiotics have been theorized to reduce contraceptive efficacy by disrupting gut flora and enterohepatic recycling of ethinylestradiol. Pharmacokinetic studies have not shown consistent reductions for doxycycline, so any contraceptive failure risk appears very low.
How serious is the interaction between Doxycycline and Ethinylestradiol?
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, but counsel patients to use backup if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
What other medicines interact with Doxycycline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Doxycycline with, for example, Acitretin, Aminolevulinic acid, Cholera vaccine. The full list is on the Doxycycline page.
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