The Basics
What is Drospirenone?
Birth control pill that contains two types of hormones, ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone, that prevents pregnancy by stopping a woman’s egg from fully developing each month.
Brand names for Drospirenone
Slynd
How Drospirenone is classified
Aldosterone Antagonists, Contraceptives, Contraceptives – Oral and Synthetic
Drospirenone During Pregnancy
Drospirenone pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Drospirenone while pregnant
N/A
Taking Drospirenone While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Drospirenone?
Drospirenone is a progestin that is an analogue of spironolactone. It has antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic activities. Amounts in milk are very low and no adverse effects on the breasted infanor mik supply are expected. Based on the available evidence, expert opinion holds that nonhormonal methods are preferred during breastfeeding and progestin-only contraceptives are preferred over combined oral contraceptives in breastfeeding women, especially during the first 4 weeks postpartum. For further information, consult the record entitled, Contraceptives, Oral, Combined.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Drospirenone is a progestin that is an analogue of spironolactone. It has antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic activities. Amounts in milk are very low and no adverse effects on the breasted infanor mik supply are expected. Based on the available evidence, expert opinion holds that nonhormonal methods are preferred during breastfeeding and progestin-only contraceptives are preferred over combined oral contraceptives in breastfeeding women, especially during the first 4 weeks postpartum. For further information, consult the record entitled, Contraceptives, Oral, Combined.
Possible effects of Drospirenone on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Drospirenone
Etonogestrel, Intrauterine Copper Contraceptive, Oral Levonorgestrel, Intrauterine Levonorgestrel, Levonorgestrel Implant, Medroxyprogesterone Acetate, Norethindrone, Progesterone.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Blode H, Foidart JM, Heithecker R. Transfer of drospirenone to breast milk after a single oral administration of 3 mg drospirenone + 30 mcg ethinylestradiol to healthy lactating women. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2001;6:167-71. PMID: 11763981
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.