Question

Which of the following would increase the half-life of birth control pills in the body?

A) Smoking
B) Taking antibiotics
C) Liver disease
D) Grapefruit juice consumption

Answer 1

Grapefruit juice consumption can increase the half-life of birth control pills in the body.

Step-by-step explanation:

The half-life of birth control pills refers to the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. In this case, the question asks which of the given options would increase the half-life of birth control pills.

Out of the options provided:

1. Smoking: Smoking can decrease the half-life of birth control pills instead of increasing it.
2. Taking antibiotics: Taking antibiotics can decrease the effectivity of birth control pills, but it does not directly increase their half-life.
3. Liver disease: Liver disease can cause a decrease in liver function, which affects the metabolism of medications, including birth control pills. This can potentially increase their half-life.
4. Grapefruit juice consumption: Grapefruit juice can inhibit certain enzymes in the liver that are responsible for breaking down drugs, including birth control pills. As a result, the half-life of birth control pills can increase when consumed with grapefruit juice.

Therefore, option D) Grapefruit juice consumption can increase the half-life of birth control pills in the body.