Progesterone Drug Interactions

Over 100 medications are known to interact with progesterone drug preparations, most of which are moderate to minor in severity. It is thought that since progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone, it is not likely to cause major or severe drug interactions.

Some of the medications that can potentially cause negative interactions with progesterone include:

Anti-steroid drug: Aminoglutethimide (Cytadren) inhibits the production of steroids and is usually prescribed for patients with Cushing’s Syndrome and metastatic breast cancer. Combining it with progesterone can reduce the pharmacologic effects of progesterone. Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any anti-steroid drug before starting with progesterone therapy. Some healthcare providers recommend use of an effective birth control method such as condoms.

• Aminoglutethimide (Cytadren)

Antibiotics or antifungal medications: Many drugs used to treat bacterial and fungal infections interfere with the metabolism of progesterone which can potentially lead to high progesterone levels. Tell your physician if you are taking any antibiotic or antifungal medication before starting with progesterone medication. However, in most cases, this combination does not cause severe drug interactions.

Barbiturates: These medications are used to treat depression. However, they can increase the metabolism of progesterone probably making it less effective. If you are taking barbiturates together with progesterone, let your healthcare provider know if you notice any change in the effectiveness of progesterone.

• Amobarbital (Amytal)
• Butalbital (Fioricet, Fiorinal)
• Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
• Phenobarbital (Luminal)
• Primidone (Mysoline)
• Secobarbital (Seconal)

Modafinil: This medication is used to treat narcolepsy. When taken together with progesterone, they can reduce the desired pharmacologic effects of progesterone. Let your healthcare provider know if you take this drug.

• Modafinil (Provigil)

This medication information may not include all medications that can potentially interact with progesterone. Discuss with your healthcare provider all medications that you take, both prescription and non-prescription, before initiating treatment with progesterone.