Yes

Contraceptive

Treatment of hypermenorrhea, endometriosis, female hypogonadism

X

Known or suspected breast cancer; undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding; carcinoma of the breast; estrogen-dependent tumors

>10%:

Cardiovascular: Peripheral edema

Endocrine & metabolic: Enlargement of breasts, breast tenderness

Gastrointestinal: Nausea, anorexia, bloating

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Headache

Endocrine & metabolic: Increased libido

Gastrointestinal: Vomiting, diarrhea

Decreased effect with barbiturates, hydantoins (phenytoin, rifampin, antibiotics), penicillins, tetracyclines, griseofulvin

Increased toxicity of acetaminophen, anticoagulants, benzodiazepines, caffeine, corticosteroids, metoprolol, theophylline, tricyclic antidepressants

Inhibits ovulation via a negative feedback mechanism on the hypothalamus, which alters the normal pattern of gonadotropin secretion of a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone by the anterior pituitary. The follicular phase FSH and midcycle surge of gonadotropins are inhibited. Oral contraceptives produce alterations in the genital tract, including changes in the cervical mucus, rendering it unfavorable for sperm penetration even if ovulation occurs. Changes in the endometrium may also occur, producing an unfavorable environment for nidation. May alter the tubal transport of the ova through the fallopian tubes. Progestational agents may also alter sperm fertility.

Mestranol:

Demethylated to ethinyl estradiol

Serum half-life: 6-20 hours

Norethynodrel: Serum half-life, terminal: 5-14 hours

Adults: Female: Oral:

Hypermenorrhea: 20-30 mg/day until bleeding is controlled, then reduce to 10 mg/day and continue through day 24 of cycle; administer 5-10 mg/day from day 5 through day 24 of next 2-3 cycles

May cause anxiety, dizziness, or depression

Hepatic metabolism of TCAs, benzodiazepines (oxidatively metabolized) and beta-blockers may be decreased by oral contraceptives; monitor increased/toxic effects; may increase the clearance of benzodiazepines (glucuronidation); barbiturates may increase the metabolism of oral contraceptives resulting in decreased effectiveness

No information available to require special precautions

When prescribing antibiotics, patients must be advised to use additional methods of birth control when taking oral contraceptives

Patients should inform their physicians if signs or symptoms of any of the following occur: Thromboembolic or thrombotic disorders including sudden severe headache or vomiting, disturbance of vision or speech, loss of vision, numbness or weakness in an extremity, sharp or crushing chest pain, calf pain, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain or mass, mental depression, or unusual bleeding.

Tablet:

10 mg: Mestranol 0.150 mg and norethynodrel 9.85 mg