Drug interactions
Ethinylestradiol + Gemifloxacin
Severity: Minor
Ethinylestradiol and Gemifloxacin: 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
Antibiotics other than rifamycins have not been shown to reliably reduce the effectiveness of combined oral contraceptives, and gemifloxacin has no good evidence of doing so. The concern rests on a theoretical effect on gut flora and estrogen recycling.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinylestradiol and Gemifloxacin 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 of ethinylestradiol by altered gut flora; not demonstrated for fluoroquinolones.
What to do
No additional contraception is routinely needed. Advise extra precautions 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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Ethinylestradiol and Gemifloxacin, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Gemifloxacin
- Arsenic trioxide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinylestradiol with Gemifloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinylestradiol and Gemifloxacin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Antibiotics other than rifamycins have not been shown to reliably reduce the effectiveness of combined oral contraceptives, and gemifloxacin has no good evidence of doing so. The concern rests on a theoretical effect on gut flora and estrogen recycling.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinylestradiol and Gemifloxacin?
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 routinely needed. Advise extra precautions if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
What other medicines interact with Gemifloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Gemifloxacin with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Gemifloxacin page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
