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Oral contraceptive antibiotics — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateInfections and AntimicrobialsOral contraceptive antibioticsGPhC CRA

A patient taking a combined oral contraceptive is prescribed nitrofurantoin and asks whether additional contraception is needed. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: C — Additional contraception is not needed unless vomiting or diarrhoea occurs

Most non-enzyme-inducing antibiotics do not reduce combined oral contraceptive effectiveness. Gastrointestinal upset can still impair absorption and requires standard missed-pill advice. In this scenario, the correct option is additional contraception is not needed unless vomiting or diarrhoea occurs. The other options are plausible but do not address the key clinical, legal or safety issue as directly. This aligns with UK pharmacy practice guidance cited in the reference field.

Reference: FSRH; BNF