Drug reference
levonorgestrel
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Endocrine (Progestin Preparations)
Mechanism of action
Oral: Synthetic progestin, ovulation is inhibited from a negative feedback mechanism on hypothalamus, leading to reduced secretion of FSH and LH. Suggested mechanisms of preventing pregnancy are thickening of cervical mucus preventing passage of sperm into the uterus, inhibition of sperm capacitation or survival, and alteration of the endometrium
Common side effects
- Headache
- Acne
- Unscheduled uterine bleeding
- Amenorrhea
- Decreased uterine bleeding
- Ovarian cysts
- Enlarged follicles
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is levonorgestrel?
levonorgestrel belongs to: Endocrine.
How does levonorgestrel work?
Oral: Synthetic progestin, ovulation is inhibited from a negative feedback mechanism on hypothalamus, leading to reduced secretion of FSH and LH. Suggested mechanisms of preventing pregnancy are thickening of cervical mucus preventing passage of sperm into the uterus, inhibition of sperm capacitation or survival, and alteration of the endometrium
What are the common side effects of levonorgestrel?
Headache, Acne, Unscheduled uterine bleeding, Amenorrhea, Decreased uterine bleeding, Ovarian cysts, Enlarged follicles
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.