Published on: 8/20/2025
Which antibiotics affect birth control pills?
Most antibiotics do not affect birth control pills, except for rifampin, which can make them less effective.
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Explanation
When it comes to birth control pills and antibiotics, most antibiotics do not interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. However, there is one exception: rifampin. Rifampin is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections, and it can make birth control pills less effective.
Key Points:
- Rifampin: This antibiotic can lower the effectiveness of birth control pills, which means there is a higher chance of pregnancy if you are using birth control pills while taking rifampin.
- Other Antibiotics: According to the studies, other common antibiotics do not have the same effect as rifampin. Most antibiotics will not change how well birth control pills work.
If you are prescribed rifampin or have concerns about your birth control and any medications you are taking, it is a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. They can give you advice on how to manage your medications to maintain the effectiveness of your birth control.
(References)
- Simmons KB, Haddad LB, Nanda K, & Curtis KM. (2018). Drug interactions between non-rifamycin antibiotics and .... American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 28694152.
- Archer JS, & Archer DF. (2002). Oral contraceptive efficacy and antibiotic interaction: a myth .... Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 12063491.
- Dickinson BD, Altman RD, Nielsen NH, Sterling ML, & Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association. (2001). Drug interactions between oral contraceptives and antibiotics. Obstetrics and gynecology, 11704183.
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