Effect of antibiotics over oral contraceptive effectiveness

Abstract

The use of antibiotics for prophylaxis and treatment of oral infections is a normal practice in Dentistry. So, it is important that dentists be aware of the potential risks of their use such as adverse reactions and drug interactions. An important interaction involves the concomitant use of antibiotics and oral contraceptives, resulting in reduced contraceptive effectiveness and unexpected pregnancy. This paper reviews the antibiotics most often associated with this problem and possible mechanisms involved in causing failure of contraception. It also examines the dentist's responsibility and the means of preventing such complications.

Antibiotics; Oral contraceptives; Drug interactions