Can I take antibiotics with OCs?

FACTS ABOUT ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES CONSUMPTION WITH ANTIBIOTICS


11 million women are recorded to take birth control pills or oral contraceptives each year in United        States[1]. 

The failure rates of contraception are up to 1.2% to 1.6% in women taking both oral contraceptives and antibiotics[2].

Most antibiotics do not decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptive. 

Rifampin (a drug for tuberculosis treatment) is the only antibiotic having a confirmed interaction with oral contraceptives  .^{1, 4}


How will antibiotics affect contraception by OC?  

Antibiotics will decrease the gut absorption of oral contraceptive. 

Antibiotic may reduce the amount of  contraceptive agent in the blood.¹  

Antibiotics will increase urinary excretion, thus more contraceptive drugs are excreted at a faster rate. ¹


Failure of the oral contraceptives depends on :

-          - Dose and duration of use of the antibiotics . [3]

-          - Couples’ fertility. ³

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[1] Daniel M. Miller, Stephen E. Helms, Robert T. Brodell (1994), ‘A practical approach to antibiotic treatment in women taking oral contraceptives.’, Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 30, no. 6.

[2] Kay Shaver (2002), ‘Antibiotic – Oral Contraceptives Failure Associated With Antibiotic Administration, Elsevier Science Publishing Co., Inc., 52 Venderbilt Ave., New York, NY 10017.

[3] Kay Shaver (2002), ‘Antibiotic – Oral Contraceptives Drug Interaction’, ‘Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter’, Vol. 18, number 180214.