Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Metronidazole
Severity: Minor
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Metronidazole: 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
Metronidazole has been theorized to lower ethinyl estradiol exposure by disrupting gut flora involved in enterohepatic recycling of the estrogen. Controlled data show no consistent loss of contraceptive efficacy with non-rifamycin antibiotics, so the clinical risk is low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Metronidazole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine; Metronidazole belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Theoretical reduction of enterohepatic recirculation of ethinyl estradiol through altered intestinal flora; not well substantiated.
What to do
No routine change is needed; counsel the patient to take pills consistently and to use 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
Other interactions of Metronidazole
- Ethanol + Metronidazole Contraindicated
- Metronidazole + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Metronidazole Major
- Disulfiram + Metronidazole Major
- Ergotamine + Metronidazole Major
- Lomitapide + Metronidazole Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with Metronidazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Metronidazole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Metronidazole has been theorized to lower ethinyl estradiol exposure by disrupting gut flora involved in enterohepatic recycling of the estrogen. Controlled data show no consistent loss of contraceptive efficacy with non-rifamycin antibiotics, so the clinical risk is low.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Metronidazole?
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 take pills consistently and to use 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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