---
title: "Birth Control Pills Interaction with Antibiotics | Sutter Health"
description: "Is it okay to be taking the antibiotic minocycline (for acne) while taking birth control pills at the same time?"
url: "/ask-an-expert/answers/birth-control-pills-interaction-with-antibiotics-1051061224"
---

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# Birth Control Pills Interaction with Antibiotics

* * *

Medically reviewed by

-   Andrelyn C Almario, N.P.

## Question

Is it okay to be taking the antibiotic minocycline (for acne) while taking birth control pills at the same time?

## Answer

Minocycline is an antibiotic used to treat many different bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, skin infections, severe acne, gonorrhea, tick fever, chlamydia, and others. Many people take this medicine while taking birth control pills.

However, like most antibiotics, minocycline can potentially reduce the action of birth control pills, making it (birth control) less effective, which can then result in unwanted pregnancy. Therefore, it is recommended to use a second reliable method of birth control when taking minocycline. It is also important to avoid a pregnancy because minocycline has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormonal method of birth control (such as condom, diaphragm, or spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while using minocycline.

## Explore related topics

Women's health

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