etynodiol

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

etynodiol contraceptive effect by inhibiting ovulation. It suppresses the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland, which prevents the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Menstrual irregularities 

Nausea 

Vomiting 

Headache  

Dizziness 

Breast discomfort 

Gynecomastia 

Depression 

Skin disorders 

Disturbance of appetite 

Weight changes 

Fluid retention 

Oedema 

Changes in libido, cholestatic jaundice, hair loss or hirsutism 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• etynodiol should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug or any of its components. 
• etynodiol is contraindicated in individuals with a history of venous or arterial thromboembolic disorders. 

Caution: 

• Individuals with severe liver disease or a history of liver tumors should not use etynodiol. 
• Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular side effects, so it is advised to quit smoking while using hormonal contraceptive. 
• Individuals with uncontrolled hypertension should use etynodiol with caution. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

etynodiol suppresses the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland.  

It inhibits the mid-cycle surge of LH, which is necessary for ovulation. 

Pharmacodynamics 

etynodiol thickens cervical mucus, making it more viscous and impeding the passage of sperm through the cervix into the uterus.  

This change in cervical mucus reduces the chance of sperm reaching and fertilizing an egg. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

etynodiol is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. 

Distribution 

etynodiol is distributed throughout the body. 

Metabolism 

etynodiol undergoes metabolism in the liver. 

Elimination and excretion 

etynodiol is eliminated from the body through urine and feces. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

etynodiol is taken orally in form of tablets. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: etynodiol 

Why do we use etynodiol? 

etynodiol is primarily used as a contraceptive agent. It is combined with an ethinyl estradiol to form oral contraceptive pills.   

Birth control pills containing etynodiol may be used to treat menorrhagia.