AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on most drugs. Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease. I am already a well established and highly rated expert in the pharmacy section of this site.
Publications Principal author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" Editions 1-4 published between 1994 and 2004 by Pearson Education, Australia. Author of the 5th edition published 2007.
Author of many scientific papers.
Education/Credentials BSc(Hons);MSc;PhD;HECert
Awards and Honors The 4th edition of my textbook was awarded the the Educational Book of the Year Award in Australia.
Past/Present Clients See my profile in the pharmacy section.
Question Hi I was prescribed cephalexin to treat an infection and Im supposed to start birth control soon ( Loestrin 24 Fe). I was wondering if two and two go together, will my birth control still be effective with cephalexin? Thanks.
Answer Dear Megan
Antibiotics can decrease the effectiveness of the OCP and it would be prudent to use some other method of birth contol while on the cephalexin and for 5-7 days after cessation. However, do not stop taking the Loestrin as if you stop it it will take much longer to kick in.
