Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Levofloxacin
Severity: Minor
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Levofloxacin: 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
Antibiotic effects on gut flora were once thought to reduce enterohepatic recycling of ethinyl estradiol and lower contraceptive efficacy. Pharmacokinetic studies of non-enzyme-inducing antibiotics have generally not shown meaningful drops in hormone levels, and ovulation suppression is usually preserved.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Levofloxacin 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-levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine; Levofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Theoretical reduction of enterohepatic recirculation of ethinyl estradiol via altered gut flora, not confirmed for fluoroquinolones.
What to do
No routine change is needed; remind the patient to take the contraceptive 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-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 Levofloxacin
- Dronedarone + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Levofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with Levofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Levofloxacin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Antibiotic effects on gut flora were once thought to reduce enterohepatic recycling of ethinyl estradiol and lower contraceptive efficacy. Pharmacokinetic studies of non-enzyme-inducing antibiotics have generally not shown meaningful drops in hormone levels, and ovulation suppression is usually preserved.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Levofloxacin?
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; remind the patient to take the contraceptive consistently and to use backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
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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