|  | Family Health | Womens Health

Thiamine Effects on Birth Control Pills

Thiamine, also spelled thiamin, is a B-complex vitamin that was previously known as B1 and was one of the first compounds to be considered a vitamin, according to MayoClinic.com. Birth control pills (also known as oral contraceptive pills, or OCPs) are medications taken by mouth to prevent pregnancy.

  1. Dosing

    • The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of thiamine for women ages 19 and older is 1.1 mg daily, with 1.4 mg a day suggested for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

    Thiamine and Oral Contraceptive Pills

    • According to the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, oral contraceptive pills may reduce levels of some B vitamins in the body.

    Thiamine Interactions

    • There are a variety of drugs that may interact with, alter or be altered by thiamine, including antacids, barbiturates, loop diuretics, nicotine, some antibiotics, neuromuscular blocking agents, fluorouracil-containing chemotherapy and vasodilators.

    Oral Contraceptive Pill Medication Interactions

    • While Thiamine does not alter the effectiveness of birth control pills, there are several drugs that can, including the antibiotic rifampin and the herb Saint-John's-wort, as well as some HIV, yeast infection and anti-seizure medications, according to Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

    Considerations

    • If you are concerned about a birth control pill's effect on your thiamine level, speak with your health care provider. She may change your birth control method, suggest a supplement, or steer you toward dietary changes.

Womens Health - Related Articles