Pharmacology · single question
A female patient taking estradiol is undergoing a tooth extraction. All of the following are true regarding giving antibiotics to this patient EXCEPT one. Which is the EXCEPTION?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Can hinder with analgesics
Antibiotics can reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives (by altering gut flora that affect estrogen recycling), can cause GI disturbances, and can cause allergic reactions. Antibiotics do NOT interfere with analgesics — there is no known pharmacologic interaction between common dental antibiotics and analgesics.
- A. INCORRECT (it IS true). Allergic reactions, including rashes and anaphylaxis, are real risks with antibiotic use, particularly penicillins.
- B. INCORRECT (it IS true). Antibiotics, particularly those that affect gut flora, can reduce enterohepatic recirculation of estrogen and potentially reduce the efficacy of estradiol-containing contraceptives.
- C. INCORRECT (it IS true). GI disturbances including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are well-documented side effects of antibiotics like amoxicillin and clindamycin.
- D. CORRECT (this is the EXCEPTION — it is FALSE). Antibiotics do not hinder or interfere with analgesics. There is no significant pharmacologic interaction between dental antibiotics (amoxicillin, clindamycin) and analgesics (ibuprofen, acetaminophen).