Drug Interaction Report

Antibiotics such as minocycline may reduce the effects of ethinyl estradiol in some women. If you are using ethinyl estradiol for birth control, you may be at increased risk for pregnancy or breakthrough bleeding. Be sure to alert your doctor if you are having any vomiting and/or diarrhea as this too can impact how well ethinyl estradiol works. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to determine if you should use an alternative or additional form of birth control during or after treatment with minocycline. In addition, some birth control preparations may include "placebo" non-hormonal pills that contain iron. If you are taking these iron-containing pills during treatment with minocycline, you should separate the dosing times by several hours so that the iron does not interfere with absorption of the antibiotic. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information on when best to take these medications. If you are using ethinyl estradiol for a purpose other than birth control, please let your doctor know if you have any questions or notice any changes in how well ethinyl estradiol is working. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Using minocycline together with spironolactone may result in reduced kidney function as well as changes in your electrolyte levels. The risk of this adverse reaction may be increased or decreased depending on the specific water pill and antibiotic combination as well as on your overall health status. Your doctor may already be aware of the interaction but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any signs or symptoms of kidney damage such as urinating less often, shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, nausea, weakness, irregular heartbeat, chest pain or pressure, and/or swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet. Let your doctor know if you experience any side effects that are particularly bothersome. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Spironolactone and ethanol may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate. These side effects are most likely to be seen at the beginning of treatment, following a dose increase, or when treatment is restarted after an interruption. Let your doctor know if you develop these symptoms and they do not go away after a few days or they become troublesome. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Iron can bind to minocycline in the gastrointestinal tract, which may prevent their absorption into the bloodstream and possibly reduce their effectiveness. To avoid or minimize the interaction, iron-containing medications and minocycline should preferably be taken at least three to four hours apart in most cases. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns, or if you have trouble separating the dosing times. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.