Drug interactions
Ethinylestradiol + Nortriptyline
Severity: Minor
Ethinylestradiol and Nortriptyline: 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
Ethinylestradiol can reduce the oxidative metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants, which may raise nortriptyline concentrations and increase adverse effects such as sedation, dry mouth and tachycardia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinylestradiol and Nortriptyline 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 hepatic CYP-mediated oxidative metabolism of tricyclics by ethinylestradiol.
What to do
Monitor for tricyclic adverse effects when the contraceptive is started and consider a nortriptyline dose reduction or level check if toxicity 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 Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinylestradiol with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinylestradiol and Nortriptyline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Ethinylestradiol can reduce the oxidative metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants, which may raise nortriptyline concentrations and increase adverse effects such as sedation, dry mouth and tachycardia.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinylestradiol and Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for tricyclic adverse effects when the contraceptive is started and consider a nortriptyline dose reduction or level check if toxicity occurs.
What other medicines interact with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nortriptyline with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Nortriptyline page.
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