indication

For the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use this product as a method of contraception.

pharmacology

Ethynodiol Diacetate is used as a female contraceptive. Ethynodiol Diacetate is a progestin or a synthetic form of the naturally occurring female sex hormone, progesterone. In a woman's normal menstrual cycle, an egg matures and is released from the ovaries (ovulation). The ovary then produces progesterone, preventing the release of further eggs and priming the lining of the womb for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone levels in the body remain high, maintaining the womb lining. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels in the body fall, resulting in a menstrual period. Ethynodiol Diacetate tricks the body processes into thinking that ovulation has already occurred, by maintaining high levels of the synthetic progesterone. This prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries.

mechanism of action

Binds to the progesterone and estrogen receptors. Target cells include the female reproductive tract, the mammary gland, the hypothalamus, and the pituitary. Once bound to the receptor, progestins like Ethynodiol Diacetate will slow the frequency of release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus and blunt the pre-ovulatory LH (luteinizing hormone) surge.

drug interactions

Artemether: Artemether may decrease the effectiveness of ethynodiol diacetate by increasing its metabolism via CYP3A4. Consider an alternate non-hormonal means of contraception during artemether therapy.

Bexarotene: Bexarotene may decrease the serum concentration of Contraceptives (Progestins). Since bexarotene is teratogenic and can lower serum concentrations of ethynodiol diacetate it is advised that women of childbearing potential use two forms of contraception (including at least one non-hormonal form).

Colesevelam: Bile Acid Sequestrants may decrease the serum concentration of Contraceptives (Progestins). Administer oral progestin-containing contraceptives at least 1-4 hours prior to or 4-6 hours after administration of a bile acid sequestrant. Consider alternatives in order to avoid this combination when possible, due to the risk for impaired contraceptive effectiveness.

Thiopental: Thiopental may decrease the effect of Ethynodiol diacetate. Contraceptive failure may occur. Alternative nonhomomonal contraception should be used during concomitant therapy.

Tretinoin: Oral Tretinoin may decrease the effect of oral contraceptive, Ethynodiol Diacetate. An alternate form of contraception should be used during concomitant therapy.

Warfarin: Ethynodiol diacetate may alter the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Concomitant therapy should be avoided. Monitor for changes in coagulation status if ethynodiol diacetate is initiated, discontinued or dose