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Drospirenone Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 5, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 4 mg

Usual Adult Dose for:

Usual Pediatric Dose for:

Additional dosage information:

Usual Adult Dose for Contraception

Take 1 tablet orally once a day at the same time each day

Start Dates:

  • When there is no current use of hormonal contraception: Day 1 start is the first day of menses
  • When switching from a combined oral contraceptive: Start on the day when the new pack of the previous combined oral contraceptive would have started
  • When switching from a transdermal patch: Start on the day the next application would have been scheduled
  • When switching from a vaginal ring: Start on the day the next insertion would have been scheduled
  • When switching from an injection: Start on the day the next injection would have been scheduled
  • When switching from an intrauterine contraceptive: Start on the day of removal
  • When switching from an implant: Start is the day of removal

Comments:
  • Consider the possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of therapy.
  • Active tablets are white, inactive tablets are green; take 1 white tablet daily for the first 24 days, then 1 green tablet during the next 4 days.
  • Tablets should be taken at about the same time each day so the interval between tablets is always 24 hours.

Use: For use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Contraception

Post Pubertal Females:
Take 1 tablet orally once a day at the same time each day

Start Dates:

  • When there is no current use of hormonal contraception: Day 1 start is the first day of menses
  • When switching from a combined oral contraceptive: Start on the day when the new pack of the previous combined oral contraceptive would have started
  • When switching from a transdermal patch: Start on the day the next application would have been scheduled
  • When switching from a vaginal ring: Start on the day the next insertion would have been scheduled
  • When switching from an injection: Start on the day the next injection would have been scheduled
  • When switching from an intrauterine contraceptive: Start on the day of removal
  • When switching from an implant: Start is the day of removal

Comments:
  • Consider the possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of therapy.
  • Active tablets are white, inactive tablets are green; take 1 white tablet daily for the first 24 days, then 1 green tablet during the next 4 days.
  • Tablets should be taken at about the same time each day so the interval between tablets is always 24 hours.

Use: For use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Contraindicated

Liver Dose Adjustments

Contraindicated

Dose Adjustments

Gastrointestinal Disturbances:

  • If nausea or vomiting occurs within 3 to 4 hours of dosing, the tablet scheduled for the following day should be taken as soon as possible (within 12 hours of usual dose, if possible)
  • If more than 2 tablets are missed, backup non-hormonal contraception should be used as described above.

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

  • Renal Impairment
  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Presence or history of cervical cancer or progestin sensitive cancers
  • Liver tumors, benign or malignant, or hepatic impairment
  • Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients before menarche.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Contraindicated

Other Comments

Administration advice:

  • Take orally once a day at the same time every day; take pills in the order directed on the blister pack
  • Swallow whole

Missed Doses:
  • If 1 active (white) 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 or more active (white) tablets are missed: Take the last missed tablet as soon as possible and continue 1 tablet once a day until pack is finished; ADDITIONALLY, non-hormonal contraception (e.g. condoms or spermicide) should be used as back-up for intercourse within 7-days after missing tablets
  • If one or more inert (green) tablets are missed: Skip the missed dose and continue taking 1 tablet once a day until packet is finished

General:
  • Pregnancy should be considered in patients whose scheduled bleeding does not occur:
  • If patient has not been adherent (e.g. missed 1 or 2 active tablets or started later than day 1), pregnancy should be considered at the time of the first missed period and ruled out.
  • If patient has been adherent but missed 2 consecutive periods, pregnancy should be ruled out.

Monitoring:
  • Patients receiving medications that may increase serum potassium concentrations should have their serum potassium checked prior to starting treatment and during the first treatment cycle
  • Monitor potassium in patients at risk for hyperkalemia
  • 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 (Patient Information and Instructions for Use).
  • 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 high potassium levels or blood clots.
  • Patients should understand that oral contraceptive medications do not protect against HIV-infection and other sexually transmitted infections.

Further information

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