Impact of Antibiotics and Pain Relievers on Birth Control Pills - Pharmacology

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Taking emergency contraceptive pills with other medications?


Hello doctor, I am taking the contraceptive pill Meisilon.
I need to take 1.
Amoxicillin 500mg 2.
NAPOSIN tablets 3.
Pain relief coated tablets due to wisdom tooth extraction.
Will this have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill?

shin, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/24

Dr. Chen Jianfang reply Pharmacology


Hello: 1.
The drug interaction information from the "Mestinon" medication insert does not mention that the three medications you need to take for your wisdom tooth extraction may affect contraceptive efficacy.
2.
According to an international drug interaction database (MicroMedex), it is noted that the combination of Amoxicillin and "Mestinon" may "possibly" reduce contraceptive effectiveness, but this possibility currently lacks supporting literature.
It is recommended that you consider additional methods of contraception (for example, condoms).
Thank you for your message, and I wish you health and happiness.

Reply Date: 2021/09/24

More Info


When it comes to the interaction between antibiotics, pain relievers, and birth control pills, it's essential to understand how these medications can affect each other and the implications for contraceptive efficacy.

Firstly, regarding antibiotics, Amoxicillin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic that is generally considered safe to use with birth control pills. Unlike some other antibiotics, such as Rifampin, which can significantly reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, Amoxicillin has not been shown to have a clinically significant impact on the efficacy of birth control pills. Therefore, if you are taking Amoxicillin while on birth control, you should not be overly concerned about a decrease in contraceptive effectiveness.

However, it is important to note that while most antibiotics do not interfere with birth control pills, individual responses can vary. Factors such as gastrointestinal issues (e.g., vomiting or diarrhea) that may occur while taking antibiotics can potentially affect the absorption of the contraceptive pill, leading to reduced effectiveness. If you experience any gastrointestinal symptoms, it is advisable to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, during this time.

Now, regarding pain relievers, the medications you mentioned—NAPOSIN (which contains Naproxen) and 痛疏達 (which is likely a brand name for a pain reliever, possibly containing Ibuprofen or a similar compound)—are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Generally, NSAIDs do not have a known interaction with hormonal contraceptives. They do not affect the metabolism of the hormones in birth control pills and therefore should not impact their effectiveness.

It is also worth mentioning that some studies have suggested that certain pain relievers might slightly alter hormone levels or the metabolism of contraceptive hormones, but the clinical significance of these findings is minimal. Most healthcare providers agree that using NSAIDs while on birth control pills does not pose a significant risk to contraceptive efficacy.

In summary, taking Amoxicillin and NSAIDs like NAPOSIN or 痛疏達 while on birth control pills should not significantly affect the effectiveness of your contraceptive method. However, if you have any concerns about your specific situation or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current medications.

Lastly, if you are ever in doubt about the interactions of medications you are taking, it is a good practice to discuss these concerns with your pharmacist or doctor. They can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding drug interactions and help ensure that you are using your medications safely and effectively.

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