Ethinyl Estradiol Dosage
Applies to the following strengths: 0.05 mg; 0.5 mg; 0.02 mg
Usual Adult Dose for:
Additional dosage information:
Usual Adult Dose for Postmenopausal Symptoms
10 to 50 mcg orally once a day
Comment:
- Given on a cyclical basis, 3 weeks on and 1 week off.
- Addition of progestogen is not recommended in women without a uterus who did not have endometriosis.
- A progestogen should be added for at least 12 to 14 days every month (28-day cycle) in women with a uterus (or in endometriosis when endometrial foci are present despite hysterectomy).
- Start therapy any time in women with amenorrhea.
- Start therapy on the first day of bleeding in women who are menstruating.
Use: For postmenopausal symptoms due to estrogen deficiency (including prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis)
Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer
0.15 to 1.5 mg orally once a day
Use: Palliative treatment of prostatic cancer
Usual Adult Dose for Primary Ovarian Failure
10 to 50 mcg orally once a day
Comments:
- Usually given on a cyclical basis.
- Follow initial estrogen by combined estrogen/progestogen.
Use: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for failure of ovarian development (e.g., in patients with gonadal dysgenesis where initial estrogen therapy is later followed by combined estrogen/progestogen therapy)
Usual Adult Dose for Menstrual Disorders
20 to 50 mcg orally once a day from day 5 to day 25 of each cycle
Comments:
- A progestogen is given daily throughout the cycle or from days 15 to 25 of the cycle.
- Take a missed dose as soon as it is remembered; if it is nearly time for the next dose then the patient should wait until then. Two doses should not be taken together. Forgetting a dose may increase the likelihood of break-through bleeding and spotting.
Use: For disorders of menstruation (given in conjunction with a progestogen)
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
This drug is contraindicated in acute liver disease or a history of liver disease as long as liver function tests have failed to return to normal.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- A missed dose should be taken as soon as remembered. The missed dose should be skipped if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose.
Patient advice:
- Forgetting a dose may increase the chances of breakthrough bleeding
- See your doctor for regular check ups
- Check your breasts regularly for any changes
- Go for regular breast screening and cervical smear tests
Frequently asked questions
More about ethinyl estradiol
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- During pregnancy
- Drug class: estrogens
- Breastfeeding
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.