Drug interactions
Ethinylestradiol + Selegiline
Severity: Moderate
Ethinylestradiol and Selegiline: moderate 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 contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol can markedly increase selegiline systemic exposure. Higher levels may reduce MAO-B selectivity and raise the risk of adverse effects such as hypotension, dizziness and insomnia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinylestradiol and Selegiline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Ethinylestradiol inhibits the hepatic metabolism of selegiline, reducing first-pass clearance.
What to do
Use the lowest effective selegiline dose and monitor blood pressure and adverse effects in women on estrogen-containing contraceptives. Consider a non-hormonal contraceptive if problems arise.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Ethinylestradiol and Selegiline, 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 Selegiline
- Amitriptyline + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinylestradiol with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinylestradiol and Selegiline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Oral contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol can markedly increase selegiline systemic exposure. Higher levels may reduce MAO-B selectivity and raise the risk of adverse effects such as hypotension, dizziness and insomnia.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinylestradiol and Selegiline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective selegiline dose and monitor blood pressure and adverse effects in women on estrogen-containing contraceptives. Consider a non-hormonal contraceptive if problems arise.
What other medicines interact with Selegiline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Selegiline with, for example, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Atomoxetine. The full list is on the Selegiline 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.
