AboutMary E Scott, RPh, CGP Expertise I am a certified geriatric pharmacist with over 23 years experience as a long-term care consultant to nursing homes. I also do community-based consulting on an individual basis. My facility-based monthly newsletter on pharmacy topics is read by nurses in over 200 long-term care facilities in 5 states.
Experience I received a BS in Pharmacy in 1980 with post-graduate work in public health. I have had a Consultant Pharmacist license since 1984.
Organizations American Society of Consultant Pharmacists .I received certification in geriatric pharmacy in 1998.
Question what is the effect of taking rifampicin with the contraceptive pill? i am aware it decreases the effectiveness but why does this occur and how?
Answer Hi,Mahria,
Oral contraceptives and rifampicin (rifampin)are both metabolized by certain liver enzymes.
If both drugs are being metabolized, the oral contraceptives are metabolized faster,causing them to leave the body faster,which leaves you less protected by the birth control pills.
Hope this helps, Mary
