Drug interactions
Ethinylestradiol + Levofloxacin
Severity: Minor
Ethinylestradiol and Levofloxacin: 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 are theorized to reduce ethinylestradiol exposure by disrupting gut flora involved in estrogen recycling. Except for rifamycins, antibiotics have not been shown to reduce contraceptive efficacy reliably, so the risk is low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinylestradiol and Levofloxacin 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 in enterohepatic recirculation of ethinylestradiol from altered intestinal flora; not well established.
What to do
No routine change to contraception is required. Advise backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs during illness.
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 Levofloxacin
- Dronedarone + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Levofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinylestradiol with Levofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinylestradiol and Levofloxacin 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 are theorized to reduce ethinylestradiol exposure by disrupting gut flora involved in estrogen recycling. Except for rifamycins, antibiotics have not been shown to reduce contraceptive efficacy reliably, so the risk is low.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinylestradiol and Levofloxacin?
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 to contraception is required. Advise backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs during illness.
What other medicines interact with Levofloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Levofloxacin with, for example, Dronedarone, Ibutilide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Levofloxacin page.
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