The first antibiotic which was discovered in 1928, is the famous Penicillin. Almost a century later, numerous other antibiotics of varying classes have been manufactured and found to be effective in treating various types of bacteria. Although antibiotics have been viewed as a miracle drug in modern medicine, it is by no means an all-purpose medication.

Antibiotics are otherwise known as antibacterials. As the name suggests, it works by destroying or impairing the growth of bacteria that enter the body. They work on exclusively bacterial cells and will not be effective against other diseases such as viral, parasitic or fungal infections. There are two ways in which antibiotics work in general:

• Bactericidal – they work by killing the bacteria by either destroying its cell wall or cell contents.
• Bacteriostatic – these types prevent the bacteria from multiplying.

Healthcare providers should only prescribe a course of antibiotics if there are signs and symptoms suggestive of a bacterial infection, or as indicated and proven by lab results. This course of antibiotics should also be completed by patients according to the prescription to prevent the formation of antibiotic resistance.

Birth Control Pills.

There are various forms of contraceptives available in the market. Birth control pills are one of the most used options in the market. These pills are metabolised, or broken down by the liver. Most of them contain the oestrogen and progesterone hormones which prevent the release of eggs from the ovum.

Birth control pills are up to 99% effective in preventing conception when used as indicated. The majority of birth control pills are used on a daily basis for 21 days and then taken off for seven days. Some of these pills must be taken for 28 days straight, while others must be taken for 91 days straight. Various colour hues for the pills may signify different hormone levels. Some of them are hormone-free pills and are designed to help the user get into the habit of taking these pills daily.

Antibiotics and Birth Control Pills.

To date, there are only two antibiotics which have shown significant results in affecting birth control pills, which are:

• Rifampicin
• Rifambutin

These two antibiotics are used in the treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) and other bacterial infections. They are also known as “enzyme-inducing” medications, as they increase the effectiveness of enzymes in the body.

Rifampicin has also been shown to accelerate the breakdown of oestrogen by enzymes in the liver, thus lowering the hormone levels contained by birth control pills. This will lead to a decreased effectiveness of the pill. It has also been shown to cause irregular menstrual cycles

After extensive research, only these two antibiotics have shown conclusive results regarding its effect towards birth control pills. Therefore, those who have been prescribed any of the two medications are recommended to take extra contraceptive precautions during the course of the administration of the antibiotic, such as using a condom or other barrier contraceptive methods. Other options can be considered, such as the copper IUD or a diaphragm, if the mentioned antibiotics have to be used as part of a long-term treatment plan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, only Rifampicin and Rifambutin have been shown to interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Many other medications apart from antibiotics have the potential to interact with any birth control pills. Any doubts or queries should be brought up during a consultation to receive better management. (Doctoroncall) It is important to find a trusted healthcare provider and to be open and discuss your medications and lifestyle options with them in order to obtain the best care possible.

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