Start practicing

Pharmacology · single question

A female taking estradiol (oral contraceptive/HRT) is getting an extraction. All of the following are TRUE regarding giving antibiotics, EXCEPT:

  1. Antibiotics can result in allergic reactions
  2. Antibiotics can hinder (interact with) analgesics
  3. Antibiotics will hinder (interfere with) contraception
  4. Antibiotics can cause gastrointestinal disturbances
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Antibiotics will hinder (interfere with) contraception

  • A. Incorrect — this IS true. Antibiotics can cause allergic reactions (rash, anaphylaxis).
  • B. Incorrect — this IS true. Some antibiotics can interact with analgesics (e.g., metronidazole can potentiate the effects of warfarin, and some antibiotics affect drug metabolism).
  • C. Correct — this is the EXCEPTION (NOT true). Current evidence does NOT support the claim that antibiotics SIGNIFICANTLY interfere with oral contraceptive efficacy. Only rifampin (rifampicin) has strong evidence for this interaction. Routine dental antibiotics (amoxicillin, metronidazole, clindamycin) do not meaningfully reduce contraceptive effectiveness. This is a common misconception.
  • D. Incorrect — this IS true. Antibiotics (especially clindamycin, amoxicillin) commonly cause GI side effects.

Practice Pharmacology questions Pharmacology study notes

More Pharmacology practice questions