Best time to start antibiotics?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-05-2004
Best time to start antibiotics?
3
Tue, 06-08-2004 - 10:09am
Another question for you ladies...

I have been prescribed the antibiotic metronidazole for acne, and I am on OTC-lo. I understand that taking the antibiotic may decrease the effectiveness of the pill. My question is...is there a time during my cycle that would be better than another to start taking the antibiotic since I kind of have a choice to do so? Thanks once again!!

SARA

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2000
Tue, 06-08-2004 - 10:19am
Well, most pharmacists I've talked to advise assuming reduced effectiveness for up to 7 days after the last antibiotic dose, since the medication is active in the system even after the last dose. So, you could plan to have your *last* antibiotic pill on the last active pill of a cycle, and count backwards from there. That way, you could be fairly confident that you are covered from the first active pill of the next cycle.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-05-2004
Tue, 06-08-2004 - 11:29am
I guess the problem I am having is because I will be on this antibiotic for at least 2 months, more if it works. If it does work, I will probably look into a different type of birth control, but I don't want to stop my pills now, have the antibiotic not work, and then have to start my pills again. What a mess! Thanks anyhow!

SARA

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-19-2004
Tue, 06-08-2004 - 12:58pm
well, you should probably keep taking your pills even while you're on the antibiotic. there's no guarantee that the antibiotic will deactivate your pills, so it's good to have as much protection as possible. plus, you don't want to go through the added discomfort of going off pills and then back on, especially if your antibiotics may not affect them at all. I say wait a couple weeks to start the antibiotics. until then, chart your fertility signs and get used to what they're like on your pills. start the antibiotics and stay on your pills. if you notice your fertility signs changing and indicating ovulation/fertility during the first month or two of antibiotic use, then consider going off your pills if you want to stay on the antibiotics. just remember to use another BC method while you're on the antibiotics.