Drug interactions
Erythromycin ethylsuccinate + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel
Severity: Minor
Erythromycin ethylsuccinate and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel: 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 through gut flora changes. Erythromycin is also a CYP3A4 inhibitor, which could slightly increase hormone levels rather than reduce them. Clinically significant contraceptive failure is unlikely.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin ethylsuccinate and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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 altered enterohepatic recirculation of estrogen; erythromycin may also modestly inhibit CYP3A4.
What to do
No additional contraception is routinely needed. Counsel on missed pill rules if gastrointestinal upset 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 Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin ethylsuccinate with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Erythromycin ethylsuccinate and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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 through gut flora changes. Erythromycin is also a CYP3A4 inhibitor, which could slightly increase hormone levels rather than reduce them. Clinically significant contraceptive failure is unlikely.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin ethylsuccinate and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
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. Counsel on missed pill rules if gastrointestinal upset occurs.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel page.
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