Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Etonogestrel
Severity: Minor
Erythromycin and Etonogestrel: 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
Erythromycin may increase etonogestrel concentrations by inhibiting its metabolism. This is unlikely to reduce contraceptive efficacy and may cause progestogenic adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Etonogestrel have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Etonogestrel belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition reduces etonogestrel clearance.
What to do
No action is generally required; monitor for increased progestogenic effects such as bleeding changes or mood effects.
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 Erythromycin
- Conivaptan + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Domperidone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Erythromycin Contraindicated
Other interactions of Etonogestrel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Etonogestrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Erythromycin and Etonogestrel have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Erythromycin may increase etonogestrel concentrations by inhibiting its metabolism. This is unlikely to reduce contraceptive efficacy and may cause progestogenic adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Etonogestrel?
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 action is generally required; monitor for increased progestogenic effects such as bleeding changes or mood effects.
What other medicines interact with Erythromycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Erythromycin with, for example, Conivaptan, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine. The full list is on the Erythromycin page.
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