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Drug interactions

Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Nicardipine

Severity: Minor

Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Nicardipine: 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 is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor and could slightly raise nicardipine exposure. Nicardipine is itself a CYP3A4 substrate with a dose-related hypotensive effect, so any increase is likely small and manageable. Estrogens may also raise blood pressure in some women, working against antihypertensive therapy.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Nicardipine 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; Nicardipine belongs to Cardiovascular.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Weak CYP3A4 inhibition by ethinyl estradiol may decrease nicardipine metabolism.

What to do

Monitor blood pressure and heart rate after starting or stopping the contraceptive and adjust the nicardipine dose as needed.

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-levonorgestrel with Nicardipine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Nicardipine 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 is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor and could slightly raise nicardipine exposure. Nicardipine is itself a CYP3A4 substrate with a dose-related hypotensive effect, so any increase is likely small and manageable. Estrogens may also raise blood pressure in some women, working against antihypertensive therapy.

How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Nicardipine?

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 blood pressure and heart rate after starting or stopping the contraceptive and adjust the nicardipine dose as 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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