Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Nitrofurantoin
Severity: Minor
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Nitrofurantoin: 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
Nitrofurantoin has been theorised to reduce oral contraceptive efficacy by altering gut flora. No convincing evidence shows contraceptive failure with this antibiotic.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Nitrofurantoin 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-norgestimate belongs to Endocrine; Nitrofurantoin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Theoretical reduction in estrogen enterohepatic recirculation through changes in intestinal bacteria; not established.
What to do
No extra contraceptive measures are routinely required; advise backup if vomiting or 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-norgestimate
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
Other interactions of Nitrofurantoin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate with Nitrofurantoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Nitrofurantoin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Nitrofurantoin has been theorised to reduce oral contraceptive efficacy by altering gut flora. No convincing evidence shows contraceptive failure with this antibiotic.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Nitrofurantoin?
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 extra contraceptive measures are routinely required; advise backup if vomiting or diarrhea occurs.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate page.
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