Abstract

PIP: There is increasing evidence from various types of studies that commonly prescribed drugs can interact with OCs (oral contraceptives), leading to a decreased contraceptive efficacy. Additionally, contraceptive steroids influence the response to the other drug therapies as well. Antituberculous drugs enhance metabolism of the estrogenic component of OCs, thus reducing the contraceptive effect. Other types of drugs which have been shown to interfere with the contraceptive effect of OCs are: anticonvulsant, antibiotic, and analgesic drugs. The effect of OCs on anticoagulant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and antidepressant drugs is also outlined. Tables and graphs illustrate some of these disadvantegeous drug interactions.