Ethinylestradiol

Hormone (oestrogen)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Ethinylestradiol is a hormone (oestrogen) found in 3 medicines sold in India, such as Ovral L, Mala-D, Krimson 35. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

Also called: ethinyl estradiol

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.

Combination medicines that contain Ethinylestradiol (3)

Krimson 35Mala-DOvral L

Common questions

What is Ethinylestradiol used for?

Part of combined birth-control pills; also used for some hormone problems.

How does Ethinylestradiol work?

A synthetic oestrogen in combined contraceptive pills and some treatments for acne, excess hair and irregular periods.

How should I take Ethinylestradiol?

Take one pill daily at the same time; follow the pack for pill-free days and missed-pill rules.

What are the side effects of Ethinylestradiol?

Common: Nausea, breast tenderness, headache, spotting between periods. Get help straight away for: Pain or swelling in one leg, chest pain, breathlessness, a severe headache or sudden vision change (clot or stroke), yellow skin.

Does Ethinylestradiol interact with other medicines?

Rifampicin, some anti-epileptics and St John's wort reduce contraceptive effect. Not for smokers over 35 or women with migraine with aura.

Is Ethinylestradiol safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Not used in pregnancy. Usually avoided in the first 6 weeks of breastfeeding because it can reduce milk.

Does Ethinylestradiol need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Ethinylestradiol?

Krimson 35, Mala-D, Ovral L.

Sources and further reading

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.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.