Which drug does NOT interfere with the metabolism of oral contraceptives?

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Prepare for the LEIK Family Nurse Practitioner Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The correct answer is the drug that does not interfere with the metabolism of oral contraceptives, which is Ciprofloxacin.

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that primarily works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and is generally thought to have minimal interaction with the hepatic enzyme systems responsible for metabolizing many medications, including oral contraceptives. This quality allows oral contraceptives to remain effective even when a patient is undergoing treatment with Ciprofloxacin.

In contrast, other chosen options can negatively impact the efficacy of oral contraceptives. For example, Rifampin is a potent inducer of hepatic enzymes that can significantly decrease the effect of oral contraceptives by accelerating their metabolism. Similarly, Phenytoin, an anticonvulsant, can also induce hepatic enzymes, leading to increased clearance of certain contraceptive hormones. Tetracycline has a more controversial history where some studies suggest it may have an effect on the absorption of contraceptive hormones, although it's not as pronounced as with the other drugs mentioned.

This understanding of drug interactions is critical for healthcare providers to ensure appropriate counseling and management of patients who are using oral contraceptives while also receiving treatment for other conditions.

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