Drug interactions
Itraconazole + Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate
Severity: Moderate
Itraconazole and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate: 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
Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4 and can modestly increase exposure to ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. This may increase hormone-related adverse effects such as nausea, breast tenderness or breakthrough bleeding, and may add to thrombotic risk in susceptible women.
What this interaction means in plain words
Itraconazole and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate 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
CYP3A4 inhibition reduces the hepatic and intestinal metabolism of the contraceptive steroids.
What to do
Counsel on hormone-related adverse effects and review thromboembolic risk factors. Consider a lower-dose or non-hormonal contraceptive if tolerability is poor during prolonged itraconazole therapy.
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?
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Other interactions of Itraconazole
- Alfuzosin + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Itraconazole Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Itraconazole with Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Itraconazole and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate 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. Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4 and can modestly increase exposure to ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. This may increase hormone-related adverse effects such as nausea, breast tenderness or breakthrough bleeding, and may add to thrombotic risk in susceptible women.
How serious is the interaction between Itraconazole and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel on hormone-related adverse effects and review thromboembolic risk factors. Consider a lower-dose or non-hormonal contraceptive if tolerability is poor during prolonged itraconazole therapy.
What other medicines interact with Itraconazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Itraconazole with, for example, Alfuzosin, Alprazolam, Avanafil. The full list is on the Itraconazole page.
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