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Levonorgestrel : Interaction with Foods, Herbs, Alcohol and Caffeine


Are you taking Levonorgestrel? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Levonorgestrel with certain foods, herbs or alcohol? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.

Levonorgestrel Interactions with Food and Herbs

St.John's wort: St. John's wort interacts with Levonorgestrel may reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive hormone progestin (1 Trusted Source
Effects of St.John's wort on oral contraceptive hormone Levonorgestrel

Go to source
).
Grapefruit juice: Limit the consumption of grapefruit juice while taking Levonorgestrel as it may increase the side effects such as breast tenderness, nausea, headache or fluid retention (2 Trusted Source
Levonorgestrel:Food, Alcohol, Supplements and Drug Interactions

Go to source
).

Levonorgestrel Interactions with Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking Levonorgestrel is not dangerous but it may cause some side effects like dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting (3 Trusted Source
Levonorgestrel: Food/Alcohol Interactions

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).

Levonorgestrel Interactions with Caffeine

Concurrent use of Caffeine and Levonorgestrel may result in increased CNS stimulation (4 Trusted Source
Levonorgestrel:Micromedex Drug Information

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).

When and How to Take Levonorgestrel

  • Levonorgestrel is available in the form of tablet to be taken orally.
  • Take one tablet by mouth with or without food.
  • It should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse to avoid pregnancy.
  • Second dose can be taken after 12 hours.
  • Follow exactly as directed (5 Trusted Source
    Levonorgestrel: Medlineplus Drug Information

    Go to source
    ).

References

1.Effects of St.John's wort on oral contraceptive hormone Levonorgestrel
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00131885
2.Levonorgestrel:Food, Alcohol, Supplements and Drug Interactions
https://www.wellrx.com/LEVONORGESTREL-ETH%20ESTRADIOL/lifestyle-interactions/
3.Levonorgestrel: Food/Alcohol Interactions
https://www.drugs.com/food-interactions/levonorgestrel.html?professional=1
4.Levonorgestrel:Micromedex Drug Information
https://www.micromedexsolutions.com/micromedex2/librarian/PFDefaultActionId/evidencexpert.ShowDrugInteractionsResults
5.Levonorgestrel: Medlineplus Drug Information
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a610021.html

Drug Name : Levonorgestrel

Levonorgestrel is a birth control pill, prescribed after unprotected sexual intercourse or suspected birth control failure. It inhibits ovulation, prevents transport of sperm or eggs and thus prevents fertilization and alters the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation if fertilization occurs.
We recommend consulting your doctor to verify the information presented on this page or if you need any further clarifications.


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