How long do antibiotics affect birth control?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on April 1, 2024.
The link between antibiotic use and contraceptive failure is controversial. Only one antibiotic, called rifampin (brand names: Rifadin, Rimactane) has been proven in studies to lessen birth control effectiveness.
Rifampin is a special medication used to treat tuberculosis and is not commonly prescribed. Rifampin may reduce the blood levels and effects of the hormones found in birth control.
For women who take rifampin, a nonhormonal method of birth control, for example, the diaphragm, copper IUD or condom, is recommended.
Rifampin can also lower the effectiveness the transdermal birth control patch (Ortho Evra) and the vaginal ring (NuvaRing), so a different form of birth control should be used with these products, too.
Other common antibiotics have not been shown in studies to make the pill less effective.
Read next
Related medical questions
- Vaginal bleeding while Nuvaring is still inserted?
- Would it be a problem if the Nuvaring was stored at room temperature?
- What is the name of the generic NuvaRing?
- Can antibiotics delay or make your period late?
- 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?
- Twirla vs Xulane: How do they compare?
- Can Kyleena cause acne?
- Yeast Infections
- Is it okay to take Vyvanse while on birth control?
- How much does Opill cost?
- Can Kyleena make your period stop?
- Can you start the Xulane patch anytime?
- 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 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?
- What is the difference between Nexplanon and Implanon?
Drug information
Related support groups
- NuvaRing (61 questions, 475 members)
- Ortho Evra (10 questions, 190 members)
- Rifampin (2 questions, 22 members)
- Birth Control (464 questions, 3,675 members)