Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Itraconazole
Severity: Moderate
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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 increase exposure to ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. This may increase estrogen-related adverse effects and, in theory, thrombotic risk, and breakthrough bleeding has also been reported.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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-levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine; Itraconazole belongs to Anti Fungals.
Why it happens
Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel.
What to do
Monitor for estrogenic or progestogenic adverse effects and breakthrough bleeding during therapy. Consider a lower-dose formulation or alternative contraception if prolonged treatment is needed.
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-levonorgestrel
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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-levonorgestrel with Itraconazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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 increase exposure to ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. This may increase estrogen-related adverse effects and, in theory, thrombotic risk, and breakthrough bleeding has also been reported.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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: Monitor for estrogenic or progestogenic adverse effects and breakthrough bleeding during therapy. Consider a lower-dose formulation or alternative contraception if prolonged treatment is needed.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel page.
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