Does Macrobid make birth control pills less effective?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 23, 2023.
Most antibiotics don't affect contraception. It is now thought that the only types of antibiotic that interact with hormonal contraception, and make it less effective are rifampicin-like antibiotics.
These can be used to treat or prevent diseases, including tuberculosis and meningitis. They include:
rifampicin
rifabutin
These types of antibiotics can increase the enzymes in your body. This is known as being "enzyme-inducing", and can affect hormonal contraception.
If you are taking enzyme-inducing antibiotics while using hormonal contraception, to avoid getting pregnant you'll need to use additional contraception, such as condoms.
Macrobid is not an "enzyme inducer" so in theory should not reduce the birth control pills effectiveness.
However, until more is known, most doctors recommend while taking Macrobid an additional method of contraception is required.
https://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=1724-1082,1045-9722
Read next
Related medical questions
- What is "dual release" nitrofurantoin?
- Is meloxicam a sulfa drug?
- What antibiotics are used to treat UTI?
- Can antibiotics delay or make your period late?
- How long do antibiotics affect birth control?
- Why are my nipples sore? 7 possible causes
- Do antibiotics affect the morning after pill?
- What are the side effects of IUDs?
- What's the weight limit for Plan B?
- When do I start taking Diane pills for birth control?
- Birth control failure rates - the Pearl Index explained
- Can Kyleena cause weight gain?
- Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla & Liletta - What's the difference?
- After having a Kyleena insertion, how long do I have to wait to have intercourse?
- When will I get my first period after inserting the Implanon implant?
- Is this normal - spotting and stomach cramps from starting birth control pills?
- Yeast Infections
- Twirla vs Xulane: How do they compare?
- Can Kyleena cause acne?
- Is it okay to take Vyvanse while on birth control?
- Can you start the Xulane patch anytime?
- Can Kyleena make your period stop?
- Should I stop using Xulane if I get a rash?
- ParaGard vs Mirena: What's the difference?
- Can you get pregnant on the Xulane patch?
- How much does Opill cost?
- How long after having a Depo Provera shot can you have unprotected sex?
- Can you get pregnant on Paragard?
- Why are the Trinessa birth control pills colored differently for different weeks? When do I start?
- Can you get pregnant with an IUD?
Drug information
- Macrobid Information for Consumers
- Macrobid prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Macrobid (detailed)
Related support groups
- Macrobid (37 questions, 55 members)
- Birth Control (465 questions, 3,676 members)