Ethinyl Estradiol / Ethynodiol Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 4, 2023.

Usual Adult Dose for Contraception

Ethinyl estradiol-ethynodiol products are packaged in 21 or 28 day dosage preparations. The last seven tablets in 28 day dosage preparations are hormonally inert.

1 tablet orally at the same time once a day

• Begin on the first day of menstrual period (Day 1 start)

If the start date of the initial cycle is any day other than the first day of the menstrual cycle, this drug should not be considered effective as a contraceptive until after the first 7 consecutive days of administration have been completed; a non-hormonal contraceptive should be used as back-up during these first 7 days

Comments:

• This drug should be taken in the order directed on the package at the same time each day
• The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation should be considered.

Use: This drug is indicated in women to prevent pregnancy.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Contraception

Ethinyl estradiol-ethynodiol products are packaged in 21 or 28 day dosage preparations. The last seven tablets in 28 day dosage preparations are hormonally inert.

Postpubertal adolescents:
1 tablet orally at the same time once a day

• Begin on the first day of menstrual period (Day 1 start)

If the start date of the initial cycle is any day other than the first day of the menstrual cycle, this drug should not be considered effective as a contraceptive until after the first 7 consecutive days of administration have been completed; a non-hormonal contraceptive should be used as back-up during these first 7 days

Comments:

• This drug should be taken in the order directed on the package at the same time each day
• The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation should be considered.

Use: This drug is indicated in women to prevent pregnancy.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

US BOXED WARNING:

• Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptives (COC) use. This risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes/day) and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age. Women who use oral contraceptives should be strongly advised not to smoke.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
• History of deep vein thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
• Current or history or cerebral vascular disease, myocardial infarction, or coronary artery disease
• Known, suspected, or history of breast cancer
• Known, suspected, or history of cancer of the female reproductive organs or estrogen-dependent neoplasia
• Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding
• History of cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy or jaundice with prior oral contraceptive use
• Liver tumors, benign or malignant
• Pregnancy
• Use of Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir due to the potential for ALT elevations

Safety and efficacy have been established in female patients of reproductive age; use prior to menarche is not indicated.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• Take orally once a day at the same time every day

Missed Doses:

• If 1 active tablet is missed: Take the missed dose as soon as possible and continue taking 1 tablet once a day until packet is finished
• If 2 active tablets are missed in a row in Week 1 or Week 2: Take 2 tablets on the day remembered and 2 tablets the next day, then 1 tablet once a day until pack is finished; ADDITIONALLY, non-hormonal contraception (e.g. condoms or spermicide) must be used as back-up for intercourse within 7-days after missing tablets
• If 2 active tablets are missed in a row in Week 3: For day 1 starters (started on day 1 of menstrual period); Throw out rest of the pack and start a new pack; For Sunday starters (started on Sunday after menstrual period): Continue taking 1 pill every day until Sunday, on Sunday, start a new pack; ADDITIONALLY, non-hormonal contraception (e.g. condoms or spermicide) must be used as back-up for intercourse within 7-days after restarting. A woman may miss her period this month, but if a period is missed for 2 months in a row, pregnancy should be ruled out.
• If 3 active tablets are missed in a row in any week: For day 1 starters (started on day 1 of menstrual period); Throw out rest of the pack and start a new pack; For Sunday starters (started on Sunday after menstrual period): Continue taking 1 pill every day until Sunday, on Sunday, start a new pack; ADDITIONALLY, non-hormonal contraception (e.g. condoms or spermicide) must be used as back-up for intercourse within 7-days after restarting. A woman may miss her period this month, but if a period is missed for 2 months in a row, pregnancy should be ruled out.

General:

• COCs may cause fluid retention; prescribe with caution and careful monitoring in patients with conditions that might be aggravated by fluid retention such as convulsive disorders, migraine syndrome, asthma, or cardiac, hepatic, or renal dysfunction.
• Women who take oral contraceptives, should take the lowest possible dose formulation that is effective.

Monitoring:

• Monitor blood pressure
• Patients with diabetes may require additional glycemic monitoring
• Observe patients with history of depression for recurrence or worsening depression

Patient advice:

• Patients should be instructed to read the US FDA-approved patient labeling.
• Patients should be informed that there are drug interactions with this drug and they should discuss all medications they are taking, including herbal supplements with their healthcare provider.
• Patients should be instructed to seek medical help promptly if they experience signs or symptoms of blood clots.
• Patients should understand that oral contraceptive medications do not protect against HIV-infection and other sexually transmitted infections.
• For contact lens wearers who notice a change in vision or an inability to wear contact lenses, they should contact their ophthalmologist.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer