Reduced effectiveness of oral hormonal contraceptives due to concomitant use of antibiotics

Abstract

Introduction: hormonal contraceptives have as main function to inhibit ovulation by suppression of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), they also produce changes in cervical and endometrial mucus that reduce the probability of implantation and hinder the nutrition and passage of sperm. Some factors can cause the loss of effectiveness of the contraceptive pill, such as incorrect use. There are also drug interactions with other drugs, which can alter and reduce its efficacy, such as antimicrobials. 
Objective: to analyze the possible reduction in the efficacy of the oral hormonal contraceptive method during concomitant use with antibiotics.
Method: a search for information was carried out, selecting published articles that included female patients of reproductive age who received concomitant oral hormonal contraceptive and antibiotics, and that evaluated the efficacy in contraception.
Development: women who received concomitant treatment with antibiotics of the Rifamycins group, such as Rifampicin, showed a reduction in the efficacy of ethinylestradiol and norethindrone, components of the combined oral contraceptive pill.
Conclusion: the literature suggests that the consumption of combined oral contraceptives / mini-pill and antibiotics of the Rifamycins group, reduces the efficacy of the oral hormonal contraceptive, however, the levels of evidence are low, and other groups of antibiotics or factors that could influence this event were not analyzed