Hormones and Birth Control with antibiotics: interactions and safety
Antibiotic courses are common, short-term and often combined with chronic medications such as Hormones and Birth Control (Hormones and Birth Control). Most antibiotics do not interfere meaningfully with Clomiphene, Conjugated Estrogens, Drospirenone, Estradiol, Estriol, Levonorgestrel, Levothyroxine, Progesterone, Raloxifene, Testosterone, Tibolone at 1%, 1.62%, 0.3mg, 0.625mg, 1.25mg, but a few classes do, and a small number of combinations are best avoided.
Common antibiotic interactions
Macrolides (clarithromycin, erythromycin) and certain antifungals can inhibit hepatic metabolism (CYP3A4) and raise plasma levels of many medications including some Hormones and Birth Control agents. Rifampicin has the opposite effect, accelerating metabolism. Most penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines have no clinically meaningful interaction with Clomiphene, Conjugated Estrogens, Drospirenone, Estradiol, Estriol, Levonorgestrel, Levothyroxine, Progesterone, Raloxifene, Testosterone, Tibolone at 1%, 1.62%, 0.3mg, 0.625mg, 1.25mg.
Practical guidance
According to the prescribing information for Clomiphene, Conjugated Estrogens, Drospirenone, Estradiol, Estriol, Levonorgestrel, Levothyroxine, Progesterone, Raloxifene, Testosterone, Tibolone, an antibiotic course should be reviewed by the prescriber or pharmacist for known interactions before Hormones and Birth Control is co-administered. Adjusted 1%, 1.62%, 0.3mg, 0.625mg, 1.25mg dosing or temporary substitution is sometimes preferred for the duration of the antibiotic course.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hormones and Birth Control during an antibiotic course? ▾
For most common antibiotics, yes. A few classes — notably macrolides and azole antifungals — alter how Clomiphene, Conjugated Estrogens, Drospirenone, Estradiol, Estriol, Levonorgestrel, Levothyroxine, Progesterone, Raloxifene, Testosterone, Tibolone is metabolised and may need a temporary 1%, 1.62%, 0.3mg, 0.625mg, 1.25mg adjustment. The prescribing pharmacist should review any new antibiotic against the existing Hormones and Birth Control regimen.
Will antibiotics make Hormones and Birth Control stop working? ▾
Most antibiotics do not affect Hormones and Birth Control efficacy. Rifampicin and a few others can lower Clomiphene, Conjugated Estrogens, Drospirenone, Estradiol, Estriol, Levonorgestrel, Levothyroxine, Progesterone, Raloxifene, Testosterone, Tibolone levels and reduce effect; in those cases the prescriber may adjust the dose during and shortly after the antibiotic course.
Medications in Hormones and Birth Control
More on Hormones and Birth Control
- With alcoholHormones and Birth Control and alcohol — is it safe to drink?
- With foodShould Hormones and Birth Control be taken with food?
- Side effectsHormones and Birth Control side effects: common, rare and warning signs
- For older adultsHormones and Birth Control after 60: doses and safety in older adults
- For womenHormones and Birth Control for women: indications and considerations
- For menHormones and Birth Control for men: indications and considerations
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