Title:Pharmacokinetic Approach of Clinically Important Drug Interactions of Hormonal Contraceptives – A Review
Volume: 21
Issue: 7
Author(s): Naina M.P. Maideen , Rajkapoor Balasubramanian*Sambathkumar Ramanathan
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacology, JKK Nattraja College of Pharmacy, Komarapalayam 638 183,India
Keywords:
Drug interactions, hormonal contraceptives, ethinyl estradiol, progestin, pharmacokinetic interactions, pharmacodynamic
interactions.
Abstract: Hormonal contraceptives contain an Estrogen and/or a Progestin, which are the substrates of
the CYP3A4 enzyme and the drugs inducing the CYP3A4 enzyme can decrease the plasma concentrations
and thereby therapeutic efficacy of Hormonal contraceptives resulting in unintended pregnancy.
Moreover, the hormonal contraceptives associated risk of thrombotic events are further exacerbated by
the simultaneous administration of drugs like Tranexamic acid and tobacco smoke. Therefore, while
prescribing hormonal contraception and other drugs to women, drug interactions should always be
considered because there could be a possible contraceptive failure or other adverse drug effects. This
article provides a summary of guidance to healthcare professionals such as prescribers and pharmacists
on pharmacokinetic based interactions between hormonal contraception and other drugs.