Drug interactions
Ethinylestradiol + Fluconazole
Severity: Minor
Ethinylestradiol and Fluconazole: 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
Fluconazole can modestly raise ethinylestradiol exposure through CYP3A4 inhibition. Contraceptive efficacy is not reduced, but estrogenic adverse effects such as nausea, breast tenderness and headache may be more noticeable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinylestradiol and Fluconazole 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
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated ethinylestradiol metabolism by fluconazole.
What to do
No dose change is generally needed. Advise patients to report increased estrogenic effects.
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 Fluconazole
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Fluconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Fluconazole Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Fluconazole Contraindicated
- Domperidone + Fluconazole Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Fluconazole Contraindicated
- Erythromycin + Fluconazole Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinylestradiol with Fluconazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinylestradiol and Fluconazole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Fluconazole can modestly raise ethinylestradiol exposure through CYP3A4 inhibition. Contraceptive efficacy is not reduced, but estrogenic adverse effects such as nausea, breast tenderness and headache may be more noticeable.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinylestradiol and Fluconazole?
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 dose change is generally needed. Advise patients to report increased estrogenic effects.
What other medicines interact with Fluconazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fluconazole with, for example, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Fluconazole page.
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