Does Taking Cold Medicine Affect Birth Control Effectiveness?

Taking contraceptive pills with other medications?

If you take birth control pills and then take cold medicine two days later, will it affect the contraceptive effectiveness? The medications listed are (1.
LANSOPRAZOLE, 2.
GASCON, 3.
MOSAPRIDE, 4.
FAMOTIDINE 20 MG, 5.
SCANOL 500MG).
If taken only once in the morning, will it impact the effectiveness of the birth control pills, and will it cause stomach pain?

Yan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/08/21

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the following medications may interact with oral contraceptives: 1.
Antibiotics (Penicillin, Cephalosporins, Erythromycin, Sulfonamides, Bactrim, Chloramphenicol, Doxycycline) can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
When taking these medications, alternative contraceptive methods should be employed, as they may decrease the gut flora that aids in absorption, thus lowering the efficacy of the contraceptive.
2.
Sedatives (Barbiturates) can increase the metabolism of contraceptives, reducing their effectiveness.
3.
Antiepileptic drugs (Primidone, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine) can also increase the metabolism of contraceptives, leading to decreased effectiveness.
4.
Tuberculosis medications (Rifampicin, Isoniazid).
5.
Antidiabetic medications (Rosiglitazone).
6.
Acetaminophen and Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) may inhibit estrogen metabolism, potentially increasing serum levels and the occurrence of side effects.
7.
Oral contraceptives can affect the action of anticoagulants.
8.
Smoking can increase the metabolism of contraceptives, reducing their effectiveness.
9.
Long-term consumption of tea or certain herbs may have additive or subtractive effects with oral contraceptives.
Additionally, any medication should be taken with water and not with tea, coffee, or other beverages, as this may affect the medication's efficacy.
If you need to take any of the mentioned medications while on contraceptives, it is advisable to use additional contraceptive measures for seven days.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2023/08/21

More Info

When it comes to the interaction between cold medications and birth control pills, it's important to understand how different medications can affect the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Generally, most over-the-counter cold medications do not interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. However, certain medications, particularly those that induce liver enzymes, can potentially reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.

In your case, the medications you mentioned—Lansoprazole, Gascon, Mosapride, Famotidine, and Scanol—are primarily used for gastrointestinal issues and do not typically have a significant impact on the effectiveness of birth control pills. Lansoprazole and Famotidine are proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers, respectively, which are used to reduce stomach acid. Gascon and Mosapride are used for gastrointestinal motility and discomfort. Scanol is an antibiotic, and while some antibiotics can affect birth control effectiveness, most do not, especially those that are not known to induce liver enzymes.

The key concern with antibiotics and birth control is that certain antibiotics, like rifampin, can decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. However, the antibiotics you mentioned do not fall into this category. Therefore, taking these medications two days after starting your birth control pills should not significantly affect their effectiveness.

As for the abdominal pain you are experiencing, it could be related to several factors, including the medications you are taking, the cold itself, or even stress and anxiety about potential interactions. If the pain persists or worsens, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any serious issues.

In summary, the medications you listed are unlikely to affect the effectiveness of your birth control pills. However, if you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and reassurance. They can provide guidance based on your specific health history and the medications you are taking. Remember, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider is crucial for managing your health effectively, especially when dealing with multiple medications.

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