Amoxicillin, the Pill and alcohol

[elpea]

Taking this antibiotic... will it interfere with the Pill, and why should you not drink when taking antibiotics?

[LazyGun]

In general, antibiotics can limit the effectiveness of the pill, although the mechanism is poorly understood. Generally, recommendations would be to carry on taking the birth control pill, but to ensure that you use a back up form of contraception during the time that you are taking the antibiotic.

The issue of alcohol and antibiotics is something of a myth, and is largely due to concerns over drug interactions and the effect that alcohol has particularly on the liver, which is also very important in the metabolisis of drugs. It is possible that the alcohol could limit the effectiveness of the antibiotic, but in practice, the only antibiotics where you should definitely avoid alcohol would be metronidazole (flagyl), cephamandole and oral ketaconazole.

[Goodsoulette]

You should use back up contraception for up to three weeks after finishing your antiboitics/

[elpea]

Brilliant! Thanks for your quick and concise answer. I thought maybe the pill risk factor was that you can have digestive troubles when taking antibiotics. Anyhow, care must and will be taken!

[4getmenot]

I'd look on the leaflet that comes with it. But most antibiotics cancel the effects of the pill out and you should take other precautions for next 7 days.

[ahar]

i made the mistake of drinking with antibiotics once - i don't know if it limited their effectiveness because as it turned out i didnt have an infection, however i felt hideous the next day - it can make you feel very sick, and i only had 2 glasses of wine. i think your pill instruction leaflet will give you guidance about antibiotics but i think you need back up contraception for duration of antibiotic use and 7 days after. but check the leaflet.