Drug interactions
Ethinylestradiol + Minocycline
Severity: Minor
Ethinylestradiol and Minocycline: 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
Non-rifamycin antibiotics, including tetracyclines, have not been shown in controlled studies to reduce the efficacy of combined oral contraceptives. A small theoretical effect on ethinylestradiol recycling has been proposed, and rare breakthrough bleeding is reported.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinylestradiol and Minocycline 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
Proposed disruption of gut flora and enterohepatic recirculation of ethinylestradiol, not confirmed.
What to do
No additional contraception is generally required. Advise using backup contraception 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?
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Other interactions of Minocycline
- Acitretin + Minocycline Contraindicated
- Isotretinoin + Minocycline Contraindicated
- Cholera vaccine + Minocycline Major
- Methoxyflurane + Minocycline Major
- Minocycline + Palovarotene Major
- Minocycline + Pexidartinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinylestradiol with Minocycline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinylestradiol and Minocycline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Non-rifamycin antibiotics, including tetracyclines, have not been shown in controlled studies to reduce the efficacy of combined oral contraceptives. A small theoretical effect on ethinylestradiol recycling has been proposed, and rare breakthrough bleeding is reported.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinylestradiol and Minocycline?
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 generally required. Advise using backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
What other medicines interact with Minocycline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Minocycline with, for example, Acitretin, Isotretinoin, Cholera vaccine. The full list is on the Minocycline page.
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