Ethinyl Estradiol
Ethinyl Estradiol is a synthetic estrogen hormone used primarily as a component of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) for the prevention of pregnancy. It is also sometimes used in hormone replacement therapy and treatment of certain menstrual or hormonal disorders. The medication works by suppressing ovulation and altering the cervical mucus to prevent fertilization.
Ethinyl Estradiol is a synthetic estrogen used in combined oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- G03CA01
- RxNorm
- 4124
- Generic
- Ethinyl Estradiol
- Class
- atc-g03
- Brands
- Jinteli, Jevantique, Xulane, Fyavolv, Annovera, EluRyng, Twirla, Zafemy, Haloette, Enilloring, Femhrt, NuvaRing
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- vaginal, oral
- Forms
- tablet, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.02mg to 0.05mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.02mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.02mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid completely
ethinyl estradiol is contraindicated during pregnancy due to known teratogenic effects
discontinue immediately if pregnancy suspected
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid completely
discontinue use immediately upon pregnancy confirmation
regular prenatal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid completely
not recommended during late pregnancy
standard prenatal care
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
ethinyl estradiol can reduce milk production and pass into breast milk; consider alternative contraceptives
monitor infant weight gain and development
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17standard adult dosing
appropriate for contraception in sexually active adolescents after menarche
regular blood pressure monitoring and annual check-ups
geriatric
elderly 65 pluslower dose or alternative
not typically indicated for contraception in this age group; consider risks vs benefits for hormone therapy
regular cardiovascular assessment and mammography
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateadjust dose based on renal function
use with caution; estrogen may cause fluid retention
monitor blood pressure and fluid balance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
milduse with caution
metabolized in liver; monitor liver function tests
regular liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeavoid completely
contraindicated in active liver disease or hepatic impairment
liver function tests contraindicated for use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Available formulations
Formulation information
Prevention of pregnancy when used in combined oral contraceptives (with progestin), hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms, treatment of menstrual irregularities, and management of certain hormone-related conditions such as hypogonadism.
Works primarily by suppressing ovulation through inhibition of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release. Also thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration and alters the endometrium to reduce implantation likelihood.
Contraindicated in pregnancy, history of thromboembolic disorders, certain cancers, liver disease, and uncontrolled hypertension. Associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism, stroke, and myocardial infarction, particularly in smokers and women over 35. Requires prescription and should not be used during breastfeeding. Effectiveness may be reduced by certain medications.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy