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Drug interactions

Erythromycin lactobionate + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone

Severity: Minor

Erythromycin lactobionate and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone: 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 proposed to reduce contraceptive efficacy by affecting gut bacteria that recycle estrogen. Evidence for a clinically relevant loss of protection with macrolides is weak, and the intravenous route makes any gut effect even less certain.

What this interaction means in plain words

Erythromycin lactobionate and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone 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 lactobionate belongs to Anti Bacterial; Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Proposed reduction of enterohepatic recirculation of ethinyl estradiol via altered intestinal flora; not firmly established.

What to do

No additional contraception is routinely required; advise backup contraception if vomiting or severe 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Erythromycin lactobionate with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Erythromycin lactobionate and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone 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 proposed to reduce contraceptive efficacy by affecting gut bacteria that recycle estrogen. Evidence for a clinically relevant loss of protection with macrolides is weak, and the intravenous route makes any gut effect even less certain.

How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin lactobionate and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

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 required; advise backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.

What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone page.

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