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Antibiotics and contraception — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModeratePatient CounsellingAntibiotics and contraceptionGPhC CRA

A woman prescribed rifampicin asks whether antibiotics reduce the effectiveness of her combined oral contraceptive. She has read that most antibiotics do not require extra precautions. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: A — Rifampicin is an enzyme inducer and can reduce contraceptive effectiveness

Most non-enzyme-inducing antibiotics do not reduce combined oral contraceptive effectiveness unless vomiting or diarrhoea occurs. Rifampicin is an important exception because it is a potent enzyme inducer. The patient should be referred for contraception advice using a method not affected by enzyme induction.

Reference: BNF; FSRH guidance