Drug interactions
Erythromycin stearate + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
Severity: Minor
Erythromycin stearate 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
Oral 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 failures are rare.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin stearate 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.
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?
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Other interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin stearate with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Erythromycin stearate 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. Oral 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 failures are rare.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin stearate 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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