Drospirenone Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 5, 2024.

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.

See also:

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer