Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Tetracycline
Severity: Minor
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Tetracycline: 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
Tetracyclines were hypothesized to reduce contraceptive efficacy by disrupting gut flora and estrogen recycling. Pharmacokinetic and clinical data do not support a meaningful loss of contraceptive effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Tetracycline 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; Tetracycline belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Theoretical reduction of enterohepatic recirculation of ethinyl estradiol via altered gut flora.
What to do
No routine change is needed; ensure consistent pill use and advise 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 Tetracycline
- Acitretin + Tetracycline Contraindicated
- Methoxyflurane + Tetracycline Contraindicated
- Isotretinoin + Tetracycline Major
- Palovarotene + Tetracycline Major
- Strontium ranelate + Tetracycline Major
- Tetracycline + Tretinoin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with Tetracycline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Tetracycline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Tetracyclines were hypothesized to reduce contraceptive efficacy by disrupting gut flora and estrogen recycling. Pharmacokinetic and clinical data do not support a meaningful loss of contraceptive effect.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Tetracycline?
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; ensure consistent pill use and advise 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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