The Student Room Group

antibiotics and the pill?

I've been getting conflicting repsonses... Due to my own stupidity, I forgot that antibiotics sometimes interfere with the pill and ended up having sex a few nights ago. Now I'm terrified because I don't know if they do or not.
I'm on nitrofurantoin, and some places it says it does interfere, but then on NHS direct it says that it's only if you have been vomitting/diorrhea and most antibiotics don't affect it.

Confused!
Reply 1
What does it say in the Pill's leaflet about anti-biotics?
My antibiotics have a warning that they interfere with the contraceptive pill on their little leaflet... have you looked on that?
Reply 3
Most, if not ALL anti-biotics will effect the pill (I'm on medication myself like, all the time). I don't think any doctor would tell you otherwise.
Reply 4
yup i'm afraid if you're on anti biotics you're supposed to wait until a week after you stop taking the medication to have unprotected sex.
I would get the morning after pill ASAP, and in future use a condom if your in that situation again.
Reply 6
:ditto:

In the future, if you're not sure about something like this, the best thing to do is to just wait or use extra protection.
Reply 7
Afraid of that! My nearest clinic is only open on tuesdays and wednesday, by which time it's too late for the morning after pill. (and by near, about 10 miles away. -_-)

On the antibiotics leaflet it doesn't say anything about the pill, and on my pill's booklet it says some antibiotics such as and lists three examples, none of which are nitrofurantoin.
Reply 8
go to boots, they normally do a free morning after pill
Guys, seriously, your doc will tell you if they do or dont react, and will do their best to give you one that doesnt. Im on one at the minute which doesnt. and i was told that. But as always one should use a condom just in case. Go and talk to your pharmacists, s/he'll know. and if you need the morning after, then take it. If not, pray you're covered.then talk to your gp first thing on monday. Try and get to a pharmacy tomoro if you find an open one.
hey I have worked a pharmacy for the last year and I am pretty sure that you can take the pill and antibiotics with the pill. It is correct that if you have vomit or have the runs you chould be extremely careful and take an extra pill. I know that a medicine such as st.johns wort does interfere with the pill, other than that antibiotics are fine but you should definitily double check with the doctor or I will check at my work for you.We deal with lots
A doctor will always tell you to use extra protection until 7 days after you stop the treatment, so I would double check with the doctor




(Bear in mind it is bank holiday tomorrow, and I don't know whether pharmacies stay open??)
Reply 12
Anonymous
hey I have worked a pharmacy for the last year and I am pretty sure that you can take the pill and antibiotics with the pill. It is correct that if you have vomit or have the runs you chould be extremely careful and take an extra pill. I know that a medicine such as st.johns wort does interfere with the pill, other than that antibiotics are fine but you should definitily double check with the doctor or I will check at my work for you.We deal with lots


Some anti-biotics don't affect the pill, but a lot stop them working properly. The Pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the pills and GPs will tell you this.