Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Penicillin vk
Severity: Minor
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Penicillin vk: 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
Penicillins were theorized to reduce estrogen recycling by altering gut flora, but controlled data show no meaningful reduction in hormone levels or contraceptive efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Penicillin vk have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Theoretical reduction of enterohepatic recirculation via gut flora changes; not demonstrated clinically.
What to do
No additional contraception is needed unless 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with Penicillin vk?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Penicillin vk have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Penicillins were theorized to reduce estrogen recycling by altering gut flora, but controlled data show no meaningful reduction in hormone levels or contraceptive efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Penicillin vk?
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 additional contraception is needed unless 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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