Drug interactions
Levofloxacin + Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate
Severity: Minor
Levofloxacin and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate: 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 such as levofloxacin have not been convincingly shown to lower the efficacy of combined oral contraceptives. Any theoretical reduction would come from gut flora changes affecting estrogen recirculation, and the clinical risk is considered very low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levofloxacin and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate 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
Theoretical reduction in enterohepatic recirculation of ethinylestradiol via altered gut flora; not well established.
What to do
No routine change in contraception is needed. Advise additional precautions 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 Levofloxacin
- Dronedarone + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Levofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Levofloxacin with Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Levofloxacin and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate 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 such as levofloxacin have not been convincingly shown to lower the efficacy of combined oral contraceptives. Any theoretical reduction would come from gut flora changes affecting estrogen recirculation, and the clinical risk is considered very low.
How serious is the interaction between Levofloxacin and Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate?
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 in contraception is needed. Advise additional precautions if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
What other medicines interact with Levofloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Levofloxacin with, for example, Dronedarone, Ibutilide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Levofloxacin page.
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