Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Itraconazole
Severity: Moderate
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Itraconazole: moderate 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
Itraconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, can raise ethinyl estradiol and progestin exposure. This may increase estrogen-related adverse effects, although the clinical impact is usually modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Itraconazole can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine; Itraconazole belongs to Anti Fungals.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of ethinyl estradiol (and drospirenone) by itraconazole.
What to do
No routine dose change is needed; monitor for estrogenic adverse effects, blood pressure and, with drospirenone, potassium during prolonged use. Consider a lower-estrogen or alternative method if effects are troublesome.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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
Other interactions of Itraconazole
- Alfuzosin + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Itraconazole Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with Itraconazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Itraconazole can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Itraconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, can raise ethinyl estradiol and progestin exposure. This may increase estrogen-related adverse effects, although the clinical impact is usually modest.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Itraconazole?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine dose change is needed; monitor for estrogenic adverse effects, blood pressure and, with drospirenone, potassium during prolonged use. Consider a lower-estrogen or alternative method if effects are troublesome.
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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