Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Nortriptyline
Severity: Minor
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Nortriptyline: 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
Estrogen-containing contraceptives may increase nortriptyline plasma concentrations, which could intensify anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular effects. The magnitude is variable and usually small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Nortriptyline 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; Nortriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Ethinyl estradiol may inhibit oxidative (CYP-mediated) metabolism of nortriptyline, though this is not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor for tricyclic adverse effects and, if available, nortriptyline levels when the contraceptive is started or stopped. Lower the nortriptyline dose if toxicity develops.
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 Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Nortriptyline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Estrogen-containing contraceptives may increase nortriptyline plasma concentrations, which could intensify anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular effects. The magnitude is variable and usually small.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Nortriptyline?
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 for tricyclic adverse effects and, if available, nortriptyline levels when the contraceptive is started or stopped. Lower the nortriptyline dose if toxicity develops.
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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