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Drug interactions

Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Protriptyline

Severity: Minor

Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Protriptyline: 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

Ethinyl estradiol may raise tricyclic antidepressant concentrations, and estrogens can also alter antidepressant response. Increased anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular adverse effects of protriptyline may occur.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Protriptyline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Possible inhibition of oxidative metabolism of the tricyclic by ethinyl estradiol; mechanism not firmly established.

What to do

Monitor for anticholinergic effects, sedation and tachycardia, and reduce the protriptyline dose if adverse effects emerge.

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 Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with Protriptyline?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Protriptyline 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 may raise tricyclic antidepressant concentrations, and estrogens can also alter antidepressant response. Increased anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular adverse effects of protriptyline may occur.

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

MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for anticholinergic effects, sedation and tachycardia, and reduce the protriptyline dose if adverse effects emerge.

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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