Although the degrees to which antibiotics may affect hormonal birth control vary, there are certain antibiotics which doctors say can cause decreased effectiveness. Antibiotics that are listed as interfering include:
- Rifampin
- Penicillin
- Amoxicillin
- Sulfonamide
- Ampicillin
- Cotrimoxazole
- Tetracycline
- Griseofulvin
- Minocycline
- Phenobarbitol
- Metronidazole
- Nitrofurantoin
If you are taking any of these antibiotics while using birth control pills your doctor should recommend that you use a back-up method of birth control (ie. condom). Despite the fact there is little evidence supporting a massive increase in pregnancies with antibiotic use, it is better to be safe than sorry. Use the back-up method during the run of your antibiotic and continue for one week afterwards.
Speak with your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about antibiotics and the effectiveness of your birth control.
BirthControlBuzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase birth control on-line.
For more information on types of birth control call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control(prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
Hi. I am taking a medium dose of birth control and I am also taking an anti-depressant. I went to see a gyn. initially when I was put on the pill. The reason was for irregular mentrual cycles, and I did not say that I was planning on being sexually active in the near future (the doctor did not raise to dosage of the pill to be effective with the presence of the anti-depressant). However, if I were to become sexually active, and I used the pill (at the medium dosage, not raised) and a condom, how safe am I? Would pulling out in addition to those two methods help?Also, how long does it take for the pill to take effect from the first day you start taking it? Thanks a lot!
Comment by Anonymous — August 26, 2007 @ 7:18 am
Just want to double check…does Cipro interfere with Alesse?
Comment by Anonymous — January 7, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
Some antibiotics have been studied and shown not to affect the metabolism of OCPs. Ciprofloxcin (Cipro ®) is one that does not seem to alter metabolism (6). *** source: http://www.wdxcyber.com/ncontr10.htm ***If you are at all uneasy about taking Cipro at the same time as your birth control pills you can always use a condom and spermicide for extra protection.:)
Comment by Ashlynn — January 8, 2008 @ 3:32 pm
how about the effect of zithromax on birth control the nuva ring to be exact
Comment by jessesgirl3610 — January 17, 2008 @ 5:57 pm
i just wondering does solpadol caplets affect birth control ie the pill?
Comment by Anonymous — April 12, 2009 @ 6:36 pm
Dear Anonymous,Solpadol is a preparation that has acetaminophen (paracetomol) and codeine (narcotic – aka Tylenol#3). There should be no problem taking it with birth control pills.
Comment by Janine — April 14, 2009 @ 1:29 pm
is medaclav a combination of amoxillin and clavulanic acid safe during taking loette or should i stop the BCP for the course of the antibioitcs''''.
Comment by Anonymous — August 4, 2009 @ 6:48 am
Dear Anonymous,If you are taking antibiotics, use back up contraception during the period you are taking antibiotics.
Comment by Janine — August 4, 2009 @ 1:35 pm
helo i have recently started takig the contraceptive yasmin.I am on my second month of the pill. i usually start my period of friday. I was due to start my period last friday, but i havent started yet? i have had a my period while being on this pill brefore, but haven't got it again for the second time. Should i be worried?
Comment by carmel — October 1, 2009 @ 3:41 am
Dear Carmel,Are you taking any antibiotics? If you are you should be using back-up contraception such as condoms or spermicide because certain antibiotics reduces the effectiveness of birth control and if you did not use back up contraception while on antibiotics, there is a chance that you may be pregnant. Ask your doctor if the antibiotic you are taking affects the effectiveness of birth control and get a pregnancy test.If you are not taking any antibiotics, and this is your first time on contraceptive pills, it sounds like your body is just trying to get used to the pill and that your period may be missed on the first month. If you are worried, talk to your doctor.Goodluck
Comment by Janine — October 1, 2009 @ 10:35 am
ok so my problem is that i'm taking ciprofloxacin (500mg for 5 days). im also taking bc pills. i completely forgot that i should use a condom in addition to the pill while on antibiotics. however,i see that u dont have ciprofloxacin listed as one of the antibiotics that decrease the pills effectiveness.. should i be worried? Help please "/
Comment by Anonymous — November 13, 2009 @ 10:41 pm
Dear Anonymous,Ciprofloxacin does not change the effectiveness of birth control pills. You should be fine.
Comment by Janine — November 16, 2009 @ 9:39 am
There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also.
Comment by Anonymous — December 29, 2009 @ 5:32 pm
I am on the nuvaring and also get reoccuring UTIs. My doc gave me Nitrofur pills to take after intercourse. I took one dose after sex and then had sex again a few days later. With just one pill taken, how worried should I be? I feel stupid now, but at the time (and with my boyfriend on leave from the Navy) I didn't think about a backup method.
Comment by Anonymous — January 6, 2010 @ 10:23 am
Dear Anonymous,If you are worried that you may be pregnant, chances of Nitrofur pills interacting with the nuvaring is very small. Nitrofur is an antibiotic that does not lessen the effectiveness of birth control pills and the ring. You are most likely not pregnant, but if you are worried, take a pregnancy test.To prevent UTI's, it is recommended that both partners should take a shower before having sex to decrease the chance of bacteria from entering into the urinary tract during intercourse.goodluck:)
Comment by Janine — January 7, 2010 @ 3:49 pm
Hello,I have a medical problem involving recurring urinary tract infections. Because of this, I am take Cipro 500mg daily for the next 6 months. I am on prophylactic treatment. Since this is long-term, will it decrease the effectiveness of my birth control pill, Trinessa? Thank you for your help!
Comment by Anonymous — April 11, 2010 @ 8:54 am
Dear Anonymous,It is recommended to ask your doctor or pharmacist if the antibiotic that your doctor prescribed to you will affect your birth control pills. Just in case, whenever you go on antibiotics, always use back up contraceptive (ie. condoms or spermicide).
Comment by Janine — April 12, 2010 @ 4:11 pm
Hi there, I am taking Cephalexin 250mg for a week for a small infection in my toe and I am also on the pill. Will this affect the pill? Thanks.
Comment by Anon — June 19, 2010 @ 1:56 am
Dear Anon,
It may affect the pill, just in case you should use back up contraceptives until you finish the Cephalexin.
Janine
Comment by Janine — June 25, 2010 @ 10:53 pm