Home Drug Guide Drospirenone; Ethinyl Estradiol

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Drospirenone; Ethinyl Estradiol

Brand Names Yasmin, Yaz, Drospirenone And Ethinyl Estradiol, Loryna, Syeda, Nikki, Yaela, Melamisa, Kemeya, Kyra, Zumandimine, Lo-zumandimine

Classification

Therapeutic: Contraceptive, Estrogen and Progestin Combination

Pharmacological: Hormonal contraceptive

FDA Approved Indications

Prevention of pregnancy
Treatment of moderate acne in women in certain age groups

Mechanism of Action

Combined estrogen and progestin suppresses ovulation, alters uterine lining, and thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Taken orally once daily, at the same time each day, with or without food.

Pediatric: Not indicated for use in pediatric populations.

Geriatric: Not specified, use exclusively as hormonal contraception or under medical supervision.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustments may be necessary.

Hepatic Impairment: Contraindicated in severe hepatic disease.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed orally, peak levels in 1-2 hours.

Distribution: Extensively bound to plasma proteins, mainly albumin.

Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver via multiple pathways including CYP enzymes.

Excretion: Excreted primarily via urine and feces.

Half Life: Drospirenone: approximately 26 hours; Ethinyl Estradiol: approximately 13 hours.

Contraindications

History of thrombotic disorders
Breast cancer or hormone-sensitive tumors
Pregnancy
Severe liver disease

Precautions

Smokers over age 35
Migraine with aura
Hypertension
Diabetes with vascular disease

Adverse Reactions - Common

Nausea (Common)
Breast tenderness (Common)
Headache (Common)
Weight changes (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

Venous thromboembolism (Serious)
Arterial thromboembolism (Serious)
Hypertension (Serious)
Liver tumors (Serious)

Drug-Drug Interactions

Certain antibiotics (may decrease contraceptive efficacy)
Anticonvulsants (decrease effectiveness)
Warfarin (may affect INR)

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor blood pressure, weight, and for signs of thromboembolism.

Diagnoses:

Risk for thromboembolic events
Ineffective tissue perfusion

Implementation: Ensure patient understands the importance of adherence, timing, and not smoking.

Evaluation: Assess effectiveness in pregnancy prevention and side effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

Take medication at the same time daily.
Do not smoke while on this medication.
Report severe headache, visual changes, or leg pain.
Use additional contraception if advised.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

Venoembolic disease risk

Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition may affect thrombotic risk.

Lab Test Interference: May affect thyroid and other lab tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and withdrawal bleeding.

Treatment: Supportive care, symptomatic treatment, and gastrointestinal decontamination if recent ingestion.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light.

Stability: Stable until expiry date when stored properly.