Antibiotics, the pill, and pregnancy

Abstract

Objectives - To establish if advice concerning risks of pregnancy when taking oral contraceptive pill and antibiotics is being offered. Method - A retrospective audit of notes of 100 female patients aged 15-39 who were prescribed antibiotics. Results - Documentation of use of contraception was noted in 3% of patients. Advice concerning risks and further precautions was noted in this 3% but not in any other records. Conclusion - The audit identified a gap in documentation and/or clinical practice in advising women of childbearing age of the risk of conceiving when using oral contraceptive pill and antibiotics. Recommendations are given as to how this may be addressed.