Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Mestranol
Severity: Minor
Erythromycin and Mestranol: 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 modestly raise estrogen exposure from mestranol. This could increase estrogenic adverse effects such as nausea, breast tenderness or thrombotic risk, though the effect is usually small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Mestranol 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
Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of the estrogen.
What to do
No routine change is needed; counsel the patient to report estrogenic adverse 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Mestranol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Erythromycin and Mestranol 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 modestly raise estrogen exposure from mestranol. This could increase estrogenic adverse effects such as nausea, breast tenderness or thrombotic risk, though the effect is usually small.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Mestranol?
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; counsel the patient to report estrogenic adverse 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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