Drug interactions
Doxycycline + Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate
Severity: Minor
Doxycycline and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate: 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 combined oral contraceptive efficacy via gut flora effects, but doxycycline has not been shown to reduce hormone levels meaningfully. The contraceptive failure risk is considered very low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxycycline and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate 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 estrogen enterohepatic recirculation; not consistently demonstrated.
What to do
No additional contraception is routinely needed; advise backup if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs. Separate doxycycline from the iron component by at least 2 hours.
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 Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Doxycycline and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate 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 combined oral contraceptive efficacy via gut flora effects, but doxycycline has not been shown to reduce hormone levels meaningfully. The contraceptive failure risk is considered very low.
How serious is the interaction between Doxycycline and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate?
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 needed; advise backup if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs. Separate doxycycline from the iron component by at least 2 hours.
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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