Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate
Severity: Minor
Erythromycin 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 the efficacy of combined oral contraceptives, but controlled data show no consistent reduction in ovulation suppression with macrolides. The risk of contraceptive failure is considered low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin 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
Proposed reduction of enterohepatic recycling of ethinylestradiol through alteration of gut flora, which is not well established for macrolides.
What to do
No routine change is needed. Advise patients to continue taking the contraceptive as directed and to use backup contraception if vomiting or 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 Erythromycin
- Conivaptan + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Domperidone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Erythromycin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Erythromycin 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 the efficacy of combined oral contraceptives, but controlled data show no consistent reduction in ovulation suppression with macrolides. The risk of contraceptive failure is considered low.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin 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 routine change is needed. Advise patients to continue taking the contraceptive as directed and to use backup contraception if vomiting or diarrhea occurs.
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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