Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Mexiletine
Severity: Moderate
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Mexiletine: 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
Oral contraceptives may modestly inhibit CYP1A2-mediated metabolism of mexiletine, potentially raising its concentrations. Mexiletine has a narrow therapeutic index, so increased levels may cause dizziness, tremor, nausea or arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Mexiletine 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; Mexiletine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP1A2 by ethinyl estradiol, reducing mexiletine clearance.
What to do
Watch for mexiletine adverse effects such as tremor, dizziness and GI upset, and reduce the dose if they appear or if levels are elevated.
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 Mexiletine
- Fezolinetant + Mexiletine Contraindicated
- Mexiletine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Alosetron + Mexiletine Major
- Amiodarone + Mexiletine Major
- Clozapine + Mexiletine Major
- Cobicistat + Mexiletine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with Mexiletine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Mexiletine 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. Oral contraceptives may modestly inhibit CYP1A2-mediated metabolism of mexiletine, potentially raising its concentrations. Mexiletine has a narrow therapeutic index, so increased levels may cause dizziness, tremor, nausea or arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Mexiletine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Watch for mexiletine adverse effects such as tremor, dizziness and GI upset, and reduce the dose if they appear or if levels are elevated.
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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