Drug interactions
Ethinylestradiol + Neomycin
Severity: Minor
Ethinylestradiol and Neomycin: 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
Oral neomycin has been proposed to reduce gut bacterial deconjugation of ethinylestradiol, lowering its enterohepatic recycling. Clinical studies of non-rifamycin antibiotics have generally not shown meaningful loss of contraceptive efficacy, though isolated pregnancies have been reported.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinylestradiol and Neomycin 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
Possible reduction of enterohepatic recirculation of ethinylestradiol through altered intestinal flora, which is not well established.
What to do
No routine change is needed for short courses. Counsel patients to report vomiting or diarrhea, and consider added barrier contraception if a prolonged course is given.
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 Neomycin
- Amikacin + Neomycin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Neomycin Major
- Capreomycin + Neomycin Major
- Cidofovir + Neomycin Major
- Colistin + Neomycin Major
- Ethacrynic acid + Neomycin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinylestradiol with Neomycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinylestradiol and Neomycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Oral neomycin has been proposed to reduce gut bacterial deconjugation of ethinylestradiol, lowering its enterohepatic recycling. Clinical studies of non-rifamycin antibiotics have generally not shown meaningful loss of contraceptive efficacy, though isolated pregnancies have been reported.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinylestradiol and Neomycin?
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 is needed for short courses. Counsel patients to report vomiting or diarrhea, and consider added barrier contraception if a prolonged course is given.
What other medicines interact with Neomycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Neomycin with, for example, Amikacin, Amphotericin b deoxycholate, Capreomycin. The full list is on the Neomycin page.
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