Mala-D
Mala-D is a tablet made by Government of India that contains Levonorgestrel 0.15 mg + Ethinylestradiol 0.03 mg. It combines Levonorgestrel: contraceptive hormone (progestogen) and Ethinylestradiol: hormone (oestrogen).
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Levonorgestrel | 0.15 mg |
| Ethinylestradiol | 0.03 mg |
Levonorgestrel
What it is used for
In a single 1.5 mg dose it is an emergency contraceptive, taken as soon as possible (within 72 hours) after unprotected sex. In low daily doses with ethinylestradiol it is a regular birth-control pill.
How it works
A progestogen hormone used in emergency contraception, the hormonal coil and some combined pills.
How to take it
Emergency pill: one 1.5 mg tablet as soon as possible, within 72 hours of unprotected sex (sooner works better). If you vomit within 3 hours, take another. It does not protect against later sex in the same cycle.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Irregular bleeding
- Next period early or late
Get medical help straight away if
- Severe lower tummy pain (possible ectopic pregnancy)
- Period more than 7 days late (take a pregnancy test)
Be careful
Emergency pills are not for regular use. Contraceptive pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Other medicines and interactions
Enzyme-inducing medicines (rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, efavirenz, St John's wort) make it less effective; a double dose or a copper coil may be advised.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
It does not harm an existing pregnancy. Acceptable while breastfeeding.
Ethinylestradiol
What it is used for
Part of combined birth-control pills; also used for some hormone problems.
How it works
A synthetic oestrogen in combined contraceptive pills and some treatments for acne, excess hair and irregular periods.
How to take it
Take one pill daily at the same time; follow the pack for pill-free days and missed-pill rules.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
- Spotting between periods
Get medical help straight away if
- Pain or swelling in one leg, chest pain, breathlessness, a severe headache or sudden vision change (clot or stroke)
- Yellow skin
Be careful
Raises the risk of blood clots, especially in smokers over 35.
Other medicines and interactions
Rifampicin, some anti-epileptics and St John's wort reduce contraceptive effect. Not for smokers over 35 or women with migraine with aura.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not used in pregnancy. Usually avoided in the first 6 weeks of breastfeeding because it can reduce milk.
Same composition, other brands (1)
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching brands.
Common questions
What is Mala-D?
Mala-D is a tablet by Government of India containing Levonorgestrel 0.15 mg + Ethinylestradiol 0.03 mg.
What is Mala-D used for?
In a single 1.5 mg dose it is an emergency contraceptive, taken as soon as possible (within 72 hours) after unprotected sex. In low daily doses with ethinylestradiol it is a regular birth-control pill. Part of combined birth-control pills; also used for some hormone problems.
How should I take Mala-D?
Emergency pill: one 1.5 mg tablet as soon as possible, within 72 hours of unprotected sex (sooner works better). If you vomit within 3 hours, take another. It does not protect against later sex in the same cycle. Take one pill daily at the same time; follow the pack for pill-free days and missed-pill rules. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of Mala-D?
Common side effects include: Nausea, headache, tiredness, irregular bleeding, next period early or late, Nausea, breast tenderness, headache, spotting between periods. Get medical help straight away for: Severe lower tummy pain (possible ectopic pregnancy), period more than 7 days late (take a pregnancy test), Pain or swelling in one leg, chest pain, breathlessness, a severe headache or sudden vision change (clot or stroke), yellow skin.
Does Mala-D need a prescription?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Can I take Mala-D in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
It does not harm an existing pregnancy. Acceptable while breastfeeding. Not used in pregnancy. Usually avoided in the first 6 weeks of breastfeeding because it can reduce milk.
What are the substitutes for Mala-D?
Brands with the same composition: Ovral L. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching.
Sources and further reading
- Levonorgestrel: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Ethinylestradiol: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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