Estradiol with Cefixime Interaction Details


Brand Names Associated with Estradiol

  • Amnestrogen® (esterified estrogens)
  • Cenestin® (conjugated synthetic A estrogens)
  • conjugated estrogens
  • Covaryx® (as a combination product containing Esterified Estrogens, Methyltestosterone)
  • Enjuvia® (conjugated synthetic B estrogens)
  • Essian® (as a combination product containing Esterified Estrogens, Methyltestosterone)
  • esterified estrogens
  • Estrace® Tablets (estradiol)
  • estradiol
  • Estratab® (esterified estrogens)
  • Estratest® (as a combination product containing Esterified Estrogens, Methyltestosterone)
  • Estrogen
  • estropipate
  • Evex® (esterified estrogens)
  • Femogen® (esterified estrogens)
  • Femtest® (as a combination product containing Esterified Estrogens, Methyltestosterone)
  • Menest® (esterified estrogens)
  • Menogen® (as a combination product containing Esterified Estrogens, Methyltestosterone)
  • Menrium® (as a combination product containing Chlordiazepoxide, Esterified Estrogens)
  • Milprem® (as a combination product containing Conjugated Estrogens, Meprobamate)
  • Ogen® Tablets (estropipate)
  • Ortho-est® (estropipate)
  • PMB® (as a combination product containing Conjugated Estrogens, Meprobamate)
  • Premarin® Tablets (conjugated estrogens)
  • Premarin® with Methyltestosterone (as a combination product containing Conjugated Estrogens, Methyltestosterone)
  • Syntest® (as a combination product containing Esterified Estrogens, Methyltestosterone)

Brand Names Associated with Cefixime

  • Cefixime
  • Suprax®

Medical Content Editor
Last updated Nov 13, 2023


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Interaction Effect

Decreased contraceptive effectiveness


Interaction Summary

Contraceptive effectiveness may be reduced when oral contraceptives are coadministered with antibiotics. The mechanism of interaction is thought that cephalosporins may alter intestinal flora which, in turn, may alter the enterohepatic circulation of combination contraceptives, which could result in unintended pregnancies and menstrual changes. However, in a large retrospective chart review, there was no significant difference in oral contraceptive (OC) failure rates among women who received OC with or without concomitant antibiotics, including cephalosporins; and the OC failure rate in both groups did not exceed a typical contraceptive failure rate of 1% to 3%. If at any time, a 1% to 3% contraceptive failure rate is unacceptable to the patient, an additional form of contraception should be recommended .


Severity

Major


Onset

Delayed


Evidence

Theoretical


How To Manage Interaction

Concomitant use of cefixime and combination contraceptives may result in decreased contraceptive efficacy; however, evidence from a large retrospective chart review showed there was no significant difference in oral contraceptive (OC) failure rates among women who received OC with or without concomitant antibiotics, including cephalosporins; and the OC failure rate in both groups did not exceed a typical contraceptive failure rate of 1% to 3%. If at any time, a 1% to 3% contraceptive failure rate is unacceptable to the patient, an additional form of contraception should be recommended.


Mechanism Of Interaction

Alteration in gut flora, leading to decreased estrogen reabsorption


Literature Reports

A) There was no significant difference in oral contraceptive (OC) failure rates among women who received OC with or without concomitant antibiotics, including cephalosporins; and the OC failure rate in both groups did not exceed a typical contraceptive failure rate of 1% to 3% in a retrospective chart review and follow-up survey. Of 356 women who received antibiotics and OC concurrently over 311.2 woman-years, 5 pregnancies occurred yielding a rate of 1.6 pregnancies per 100 woman-years or a 1.6%/year failure rate. Of 425 control patients who received OC without antibiotics for 1244.9 woman-years, 12 pregnancies occurred yielding a rate of 0.96 pregnancies per 100 woman-years or 0.96%/year failure rate. The difference in failure rate between these groups was not significant (95% CI on the difference, -0.81 to 2.1; p=0.4) and ruled out a substantial difference (greater than 2.1% per year). The women in the control group consisted of 263 women who received OC but did not concomitantly use OC with antibiotics and 162 OC users who never concomitantly used antibiotics. Among women who never concomitantly used antibiotics (n=162) over 551.2 woman-years, 7 pregnancies occurred, yielding a rate of 1.3 pregnancies per 100 woman-years or 1.3%/year failure rate .

Estradiol Overview

  • Estrogen is used to treat hot flushes ('hot flashes'; sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating) in women who are experiencing menopause ('change of life', the end of monthly menstrual periods). Some brands of estrogen are also used to treat vaginal dryness, itching, or burning, or to prevent osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who are experiencing or have experienced menopause. However, women who need a medication only to treat vaginal dryness or only to prevent osteoporosis should consider a different treatment. Some brands of estrogen are also to relieve symptoms of low estrogen in young women who do not produce enough estrogen naturally. Some brands of estrogen are also used to relieve the symptoms of certain types of breast and prostate (a male reproductive gland) cancer. Estrogen is in a class of medications called hormones. It works by replacing estrogen that is normally produced by the body.

See More information Regarding Estrogen

Cefixime Overview

  • Cefixime is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as bronchitis (infection of the airway tubes leading to the lungs); gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted disease); and infections of the ears, throat, tonsils, and urinary tract. Cefixime is in a class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria.

  • Antibiotics such as cefixime will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

See More information Regarding Cefixime

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Definitions

Severity Categories

Contraindicated

These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.


Major

This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.


Moderate

This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.


Minor

While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.


Onset

Rapid: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs within 24 hours of co-administration.

Delayed: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs more than 24 hours after co-administration.


Evidence

Level of documentation of the interaction.

Established: The interaction is documented and substantiated in peer-reviewed medical literature.

Theoretical: This interaction is not fully supported by current medical evidence or well-documented sources, but it is based on known drug mechanisms, drug effects, and other relevant information.


How To Manage The Interaction

Provides a detailed discussion on how patients and clinicians can approach the identified drug interaction as well as offers guidance on what to expect and strategies to potentially mitigate the effects of the interaction. This may include recommendations on adjusting medication dosages, altering the timing of drug administration, or closely monitoring for specific symptoms.

It's important to note that all medical situations are unique, and management approaches should be tailored to individual circumstances. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on managing drug interactions effectively.


Mechanism Of Interaction

The theorized or clinically determined reason (i.e., mechanism) why the drug-drug interaction occurs.


Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.

Where Does Our Information Come From?

Information for our drug interactions is compiled from several drug compendia, including:

The prescribing information for each drug, as published on DailyMED, is also used. 

Individual drug-drug interaction detail pages contain references specific to that interaction. You can click on the reference number within brackets '[]' to see what reference was utilized.

The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.