Drug interactions
Mestranol + Minocycline
Severity: Minor
Mestranol and Minocycline: 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
Antibiotics were hypothesized to lower estrogen levels by altering gut flora, but tetracyclines have not been shown to reduce oral contraceptive efficacy in controlled data. Any effect is likely small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mestranol and Minocycline 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
Proposed reduction of enterohepatic recirculation via altered gut flora, not confirmed.
What to do
No additional contraception is routinely required. Advise backup contraception 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 Minocycline
- Acitretin + Minocycline Contraindicated
- Isotretinoin + Minocycline Contraindicated
- Cholera vaccine + Minocycline Major
- Methoxyflurane + Minocycline Major
- Minocycline + Palovarotene Major
- Minocycline + Pexidartinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mestranol with Minocycline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Mestranol and Minocycline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Antibiotics were hypothesized to lower estrogen levels by altering gut flora, but tetracyclines have not been shown to reduce oral contraceptive efficacy in controlled data. Any effect is likely small.
How serious is the interaction between Mestranol and Minocycline?
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 backup contraception if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs.
What other medicines interact with Minocycline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Minocycline with, for example, Acitretin, Isotretinoin, Cholera vaccine. The full list is on the Minocycline page.
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