Amoxicillin Does Not Reduce OCP — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyPharmacology & TherapeuticsAmoxicillin Does Not Reduce OCPORE Part 1

A patient taking the oral contraceptive pill is prescribed amoxicillin for a dental infection. In the absence of vomiting or diarrhoea, what advice regarding contraceptive effectiveness is most appropriate?

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Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Amoxicillin does not reduce the effectiveness of the pill

Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · E = shown as B · A = shown as C · C = shown as E

**A is correct.** Current NHS guidance states that amoxicillin does not reduce the effectiveness of the combined pill, progestogen-only pill or emergency contraception. Routine additional contraception is therefore not required for amoxicillin alone. The important clinical caveat is gastrointestinal upset: vomiting or severe/watery diarrhoea, or diarrhoea lasting over 24 hours, can reduce absorption of oral contraceptive pills; the patient should then follow the relevant pill-pack or missed-pill advice. Option B reflects outdated blanket advice for ordinary antibiotics. Options C and D have no evidence basis. Option E is incorrect: the relevant distinction is not pill brand but whether a medicine is an enzyme inducer; NHS guidance identifies rifampicin and rifabutin as antibiotics that can reduce combined-pill effectiveness.

Reference: NHS. Common questions about amoxicillin — “Will it affect my contraception?” Last reviewed 2 June 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/amoxicillin/common-questions-about-amoxicillin/