Antibiotics, the pill, and pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To establish if advice concerning risks of pregnancy when taking oral contraceptive pill and antibiotics is being offered.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Accident and Emergency Department, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, Bucks.
M
M
Mastrantonio
H
H
Minhas
A
A
Gammon
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D006113:United Kingdom
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined