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Answer:Antibiotics taken by mouth can potentially decrease the effectiveness of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives. This occurs because, in addition to killing the bacteria responsible for causing the current illness or infection, oral antibiotics also kill the normal bacteria that live in the stomach (known as norma flora) and that are responsible for activating the birth control pill. As a result, the oral contraceptive may be less effective. Cases of contraceptive failure associated with oral antibiotics have been reported, but are not well-documented. Therefore, it is important to practice an alternative method of contraception during and after taking the oral antibiotics until your next menstrual cycle.

Regarding topical antibiotics such as Walgreens Triple Antibiotic Ointment® or Neosporin®, these medications are not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream and therefore do not kill the norma flora in the stomach. As a result, topical antibiotics are not expected to reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

Get more information about your brand of birth control pills.

Learn more about birth control options in the Walgreens.com Health Library.

View Walgreens.com intimacy and sexual wellness products for over-the-counter contraception options.

View the Walgreens.com Ask a Pharmacist Archives for a list of all commonly asked questions.

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