Drug Interaction Report

Antibiotics such as tetracycline may reduce the effects of mestranol in some women. If you are using mestranol 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 mestranol 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 tetracycline. 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 tetracycline, 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 mestranol for a purpose other than birth control, please let your doctor know if you have any questions or notice any changes in how well mestranol 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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Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after taking tetracycline. These products can make tetracycline less effective in treating your infection. Do not take tetracycline with milk or other dairy products, unless your doctor has told you to. Dairy products can make it harder for your body to absorb the medication.

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Grapefruit juice may increase the blood levels of certain medications such as norethindrone. You may want to limit your consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with norethindrone. However, if you have been regularly consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice with the medication, then it is advisable for you to talk with your doctor before changing the amounts of these products in your diet, as this may alter the effects of your medication. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. Orange juice is not expected to interact.

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Iron can bind to tetracycline 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 tetracycline 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.

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