The possibility of antibiotics affecting contraceptive drugs is always a hot topic due to the potentially serious consequences of an interaction. The interaction is primarily based on the theory that since birth control pills are partially dependent on normal bacteria in the gut to help metabolize and absorb estrogen in the body, disrupting those bacteria can decrease the effectiveness of birth control. Studies on this topic have consistently shown that most antibiotics do NOT cause any problems with hormonal contraceptive concentrations. Most, if not all, studies conclude that most antibiotics (such as amoxicillin and minocycline) do not significantly alter oral contraceptive levels in the vast majority of patients and that a backup contraceptive method if contraceptives are used reliably. during the use of antibiotics. However, a select few patients were found to have lower levels of hormones after taking antibiotics. However, there were no clinical effects associated with this

The only class of antibiotics that causes a truly serious interaction with contraceptives is known as the rifamycin class of antibiotics. They greatly accelerate how quickly birth control breaks down in the liver. Fortunately, minocycline does not belong to that class.

Most studies relate to short-term antibiotic use, and during long-term antibiotic administration the risk of drug interaction is less clear. The best possibility to help reduce the risk of a possible interaction is to take a medium to high dose of a combined oral contraceptive (both estrogen and progestin). Also, a non-oral contraceptive method, such as intravaginal rings and patches, would avoid this interaction almost completely.

Often times, various sources of literature and websites report that separating the doses of an antibiotic and birth control (taken in the morning and in the evening) can help, but there is no evidence that this is a better way to do it. . Generally, that method works well if there is a real interaction between two products. In this case, we are concerned about an altered level of bacteria in the gut, not two drugs that interact with each other. Long-term administration will likely change normal levels of bacteria in the gut for a long period of time, so separating the doses is likely to be of little benefit.

So when it comes to the best recommendation, people are probably fine taking birth control and antibiotics together. It is very important to make sure that you are consistent when taking the contraceptive method. Always watch out for breakthrough bleeding, spotting, and any similar side effects, as it could indicate a fluctuation in your hormone levels in the body.