Drug interactions
Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate + Nitrofurantoin
Severity: Minor
Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate and Nitrofurantoin: 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
Nitrofurantoin has not been shown to reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. Only enzyme-inducing antibiotics such as rifampin have clear evidence of causing contraceptive failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate and Nitrofurantoin 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
No established mechanism; a theoretical reduction in enterohepatic recycling of ethinylestradiol has not been shown for nitrofurantoin.
What to do
No additional contraception is routinely required. Advise standard missed-pill rules 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 Nitrofurantoin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate with Nitrofurantoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate and Nitrofurantoin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Nitrofurantoin has not been shown to reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. Only enzyme-inducing antibiotics such as rifampin have clear evidence of causing contraceptive failure.
How serious is the interaction between Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate and Nitrofurantoin?
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 additional contraception is routinely required. Advise standard missed-pill rules if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
What other medicines interact with Nitrofurantoin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nitrofurantoin with, for example, Pexidartinib, Pretomanid, Aluminum hydroxide. The full list is on the Nitrofurantoin page.
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