Etynodiol Medication Information

Get detailed information on Etynodiol, including pronunciation, uses, dosage guidelines, indications, and instructions on how and when to take it and when to avoid it.

The updated prescription information on Etynodiol provides an overview of possible side effects, precautions, warnings, and storage tips.

You'll also find brand names used in india and internationally, along with pricing details. For further clarification, consult your healthcare provider.

Generic Name : Etynodiol

Pronunciation : Ety-no-di-ol

Therapeutic Classification : Oral Contraceptives

Trade Names/Brand Names of Etynodiol

India :

Demulen, Femulen

Other Name(s) of Etynodiol

Ethynodiol diacetate

Overview of Etynodiol

• Ethynodiol diacetate is a synthetic progestin used in combination with estrogen in an oral contraceptive drug in the United States, Canada and a few other countries.

Why is Etynodiol Prescribed? (Indications)

Etynodiol diacetate (the diacylated derivative of etynodiol or ethynodiol) is prescribed for the prevention of pregnancy in women who chose to take oral contraceptives. It is a hormonal contraceptive containing two hormones progestin and estrogen. Etynodiol diacetate is used in combination with an estrogen in combined oral contraceptives for women. Oral contraceptive products should not be used unless medically indicated.

Etynodiol diacetate’s primary mechanism is to prevent ovulation during the menstrual cycle, but it also makes changes in the cervical fluid making it difficult for the sperm from reaching the egg and in the endometrium reducing the likelihood of implantation. Other than prevention of pregnancy it helps in making the periods regular, and it also decreases the blood loss, reduces the risk of ovary cysts.

Etynodiol diacetate upon oral administration is converted rapidly by esterases into etynodiol which is then converted immediately and completely to norethisterone. etynodiol diacetate has progestogenic activity and weak androgenic activity and estrogenic activity.

When should Etynodiol not be taken? (Contraindications)

Etynodiol is contraindicated in women who have

• Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders, cerebral vascular disease, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, known or suspected carcinoma of the breast or the female reproductive organs or a history of these conditions

• Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
• History of jaundice with prior oral contraceptive use
• Benign or malignant liver tumors in the past or present
• Known or suspected pregnancy
• Received Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir

What is the dosage of Etynodiol?

• The recommended dose of etynodiol is 500 mcg taken as a single dose, and 1 to 2 mg is taken in combination with other drugs

How should Etynodiol be taken?

• Etynodiol should be taken by mouth once daily for 28 days.
• Remember to take the drug each day at the same time or as instructed by the doctor.

What are the warnings and precautions for Etynodiol?

• Smoking is strictly prohibited while taking oral contraceptives.

• Oral contraceptives can affect liver function and lipid levels and can cause fluid retention.

• Caution should be taken if the women have a history of depression.

• Caution should be taken in breastfeeding women as it may decrease the milk production and can cause jaundice and breast enlargement in the child.

• Oral contraceptives do not afford any protection against venereal diseases and HIV infection.

What are the side effects of Etynodiol?

• Menstrual disturbances, including prolonged bleeding or spotting and amenorrhea.
• Periodic abdominal bloating and breast tenderness may be due to water retention that can be relieved with diuretics.

• A decrease in HDL cholesterol.
• Hypogonadism due to its antigonadotropic effects at high dosages (5 to 60 mg/day) used in the treatment of gynecological disorders.

• Androgenic side effects like acne, hirsutism and voice changes at high doses (10 to 40 mg/day) only when used alone and not when used in low doses combined with estrogen.

What are the other precautions for Etynodiol?

• Caution should be taken in diabetes patient because it may increase the blood sugar level.

What are the Drug Interactions of Etynodiol?

• Finasteride and dutasteride can inhibit the metabolism of norethisterone, the active drug.

• Cytochrome P450 enzyme 3A4 or CYP3A4 is the major metabolizer of norethisterone. Hence inducers of CYP3A4 like rifampicin, bosentan, carbamazepine and St. John's wort can increase norethisterone’s metabolism and decrease its plasma levels.

• Rifampin used at the same time as the combination drug can cause increased bleeding and menstrual irregularities. Similar effects are seen but with lower intensities when barbiturates, phenylbutazone, and phenytoin sodium are used.

• Troglitazone used at the same time as the combination drug oral contraceptive could result in loss of contraceptive efficacy.