Last update April 28, 2026

Ethinylestradiol + Drospirenone

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

Combined oral contraceptive (COC) of estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestogen (drospirenone) in the form of pills for oral use. Daily administration.

For a detailed discussion with references:

  • on why non-hormonal methods are the first choice during the first 4–6 weeks postpartum, followed by IUDs and progestin implants,
  • on the potential problems associated with the use of combined estrogen-progestin contraceptives,
  • the possible decrease in milk production with estrogen use,
  • and why progestin-only contraceptives are preferable during breastfeeding,

see below: “(Combined Estrogen + Progestin Contraceptives, COCs)”

ETHINYLESTRADIOL is a synthetic estrogen that has a similar action as estradiol. 

Its pharmacokinetic data (high percentage of protein binding and very wide volume of distribution) explain the negligible or null passage into breast milk observed. (Segev 2025, Betrabet 1986, Nilsson 1978)

DROSPIRENONE is a progestogen analog of spironolactone with antiandrogenic activity. Used as a contraceptive. Oral administration.

It is excreted in breast milk in a clinically insignificant amount and no problems have been reported in infants whose mothers took it. (Melka 2020, Blode 2001) 

American Academy of Paediatrics: COCs are usually compatible with breastfeeding. (AAP 2001)


See below the information of these related products:

Alternatives

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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Other names

Ethinylestradiol + Drospirenone in other languages or writings:

Group

Ethinylestradiol + Drospirenone belongs to this group or family:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 40-60 / 76 %
Molecular weight 296 / 367 daltons
Protein Binding 99 / 97 %
VD 5 / 4 l/Kg
pKa 10.3 / 18.5 -
Tmax 1.5 / 3-4 hours
T½ 8 - 32 hours
M/P ratio 0.3 / 0.17 -
Theoretical Dose < 0. 000045 / 0.001 mg/Kg/d
Relative Dose <0.54 / 0.4-2.1 %

References

  1. Segev L, Ben Zimra A, Weitzman GA, Bloch N, Pitussi I, Alkhazov T, Kogan NM, Peleg D, Samson AO, Ben Shachar I. Ethinylestradiol Transfer into Breast Milk of Women Using Low-Dose Combined Hormonal Contraception Is Negligible. Open Access J Contracept. 2025 Dec 10;16:189-197. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. Melka D, Kask K, Colli E, Regidor PA. A single-arm study to evaluate the transfer of drospirenone to breast milk after reaching steady state, following oral administration of 4 mg drospirenone in healthy lactating female volunteers. Womens Health (Lond). 2020 Jan-Dec;16:1745506520957192. Abstract
  3. AEMPS. Etinilestradiol+Drospirenona. Ficha técnica. 2015 Full text (in our servers)
  4. AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs. Transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk. Pediatrics. 2001 Sep;108(3):776-89. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Blode H, Foidart JM, Heithecker R. Transfer of drospirenone to breast milk after a single oral administration of 3 mg drospirenone + 30 microg ethinylestradiol to healthy lactating women. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2001 Sep;6(3):167-71. Abstract
  6. Betrabet SS, Shikary ZK, Toddywalla VS, Patel D, Vaidya P, Saxena BN. ICMR Task Force Study on hormonal contraception. Biological activity of ethinyl estradiol present in the breast milk. Contraception. 1986 Abstract
  7. Nilsson S, Nygren KG, Johansson ED. Ethinyl estradiol in human milk and plasma after oral administration. Contraception. 1978 Abstract

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