Can you give me a concise table comparing the oral medications used in obstetrics and gynecology, including drug class, primary indication, typical dose and schedule, distinguishing features, and common side effects?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 20, 2026 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Oral Medications in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Comparative Table

The most commonly used oral medications in OB/GYN fall into distinct categories: hormonal contraceptives, emergency contraception, and medications for specific obstetric/gynecologic conditions. Below is a comprehensive comparison table organized by drug class.

Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs)

Medication Drug Class Primary Indication Typical Dose & Schedule Distinguishing Features Common Side Effects
Ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg + Levonorgestrel 150 mcg Combined OCP (estrogen + progestin) Contraception, cycle control, acne, dysmenorrhea 1 pill daily for 21 days, 7-day pill-free interval [1] Standard "micropill" formulation; most studied in pregnancy [1] Nausea, breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness [2]
Extended-cycle COCs Combined OCP Contraception with reduced withdrawal bleeding Continuous daily dosing for up to 84 days, then 7-day break [3] Reduces frequency of withdrawal bleeding episodes [3] Similar to standard COCs but less frequent withdrawal symptoms [3]
Vaginal ring (NuvaRing) Combined hormonal contraceptive Contraception with monthly dosing Insert for 21-35 days, replace monthly [3] Can be used for up to 35 days for better menstrual control [3] Vaginal discharge, irritation [3]

Progestin-Only Pills (POPs)

Medication Drug Class Primary Indication Typical Dose & Schedule Distinguishing Features Common Side Effects
Progestin-only "minipill" Progestin-only OCP Contraception in women with estrogen contraindications 1 pill daily, no pill-free interval [2,4] Safer for women with cardiovascular risk factors; must be taken at same time daily [2] Irregular bleeding, amenorrhea [2]

Emergency Contraception

Medication Drug Class Primary Indication Typical Dose & Schedule Distinguishing Features Common Side Effects
Levonorgestrel 1500 mcg (Plan B) Progestin emergency contraceptive Emergency contraception within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse Single 1500 mcg dose [5] Can be administered vaginally or orally with similar efficacy [5]; causes transient gonadotropin suppression [5] Nausea, irregular bleeding [5]
Yuzpe regimen Combined emergency contraceptive Emergency contraception (less commonly used) Ethinyl estradiol 200 mcg + Levonorgestrel 1000 mcg, repeated in 12 hours [5] Older method; more side effects than Plan B [5] Nausea, vomiting [5]

Medications for Specific Obstetric Conditions

Medication Drug Class Primary Indication Typical Dose & Schedule Distinguishing Features Common Side Effects
Methyldopa Alpha-2 agonist antihypertensive Severe hypertension in pregnancy 1000-1500 mg orally if immediate IV access unavailable [6] Safe in pregnancy; used when IV labetalol unavailable [6] Sedation, dry mouth [6]
Labetalol Alpha-1 and beta-blocker Severe hypertension in pregnancy 200 mg orally if IV access not established [6] Preferred oral agent for acute hypertension in pregnancy [6] Bronchospasm (caution in asthma), bradycardia [6]
Nifedipine (immediate-release) Calcium channel blocker Severe hypertension in pregnancy Variable dosing; avoid except in low-resource settings [6] Risk of uncontrolled hypotension, especially with magnesium sulfate [6]; should be avoided when alternatives available [6] Hypotension, fetal compromise, headache [6]

Medications for Respiratory Conditions in Pregnancy

Medication Drug Class Primary Indication Typical Dose & Schedule Distinguishing Features Common Side Effects
Salbutamol (Albuterol) Short-acting beta-2 agonist Asthma in pregnancy As needed for bronchodilation [6] Pregnancy Category A; safe throughout pregnancy [6] Maternal/fetal tachycardia, maternal hyperglycemia [6]
Budesonide inhaled Inhaled corticosteroid Asthma in pregnancy Daily maintenance dosing [6] Preferred inhaled steroid in pregnancy due to most data [6] Minimal systemic effects at usual doses [6]
Theophylline Methylxanthine bronchodilator Asthma in pregnancy Requires blood level monitoring [6] Safe but requires monitoring; may inhibit uterine contractions at term [6] Neonatal tachycardia, irritability if used near delivery [6]

Antibiotics Safe in Pregnancy

Medication Drug Class Primary Indication Typical Dose & Schedule Distinguishing Features Common Side Effects
Cefuroxime axetil Second-generation cephalosporin Infections in pregnancy, Lyme disease 500 mg orally twice daily for 14-21 days [7] Safe throughout pregnancy; no teratogenic concerns [7] GI upset, diarrhea [7]
Amoxicillin Penicillin Various infections in pregnancy 500 mg every 8 hours [6] Safe in pregnancy [6] Diarrhea, rash [6]
Nitrofurantoin Nitrofuran antibiotic Uncomplicated UTI (avoid near term) 100 mg four times daily for 7 days [6] Avoid in third trimester due to hemolysis risk [6] Nausea, pulmonary reactions [6]

Key Clinical Considerations

Contraceptive Selection Algorithm 2

  1. Assess cardiovascular risk factors: Check blood pressure; if hypertension, thromboembolism history, or migraine with aura present, avoid COCs 3, 2
  2. If cardiovascular risk present: Use progestin-only methods 3
  3. If no contraindications to estrogen: Offer COCs as first-line; consider extended-cycle regimens for women desiring less frequent bleeding 3
  4. Failure rate consideration: Both COCs and POPs have 7-9% typical-use failure rates 2

Critical Safety Warnings

  • All combined hormonal contraceptives carry venous thromboembolism risk, with risk varying by estrogen dose and progestin type 3
  • Immediate-release nifedipine should be avoided in pregnancy except when no alternatives exist, due to risk of uncontrolled hypotension and fetal compromise, particularly when combined with magnesium sulfate 6
  • Ergot alkaloids (ergometrine, methylergometrine) have NO place in prophylactic obstetric use and should only be used therapeutically in third-stage labor after oxytocin failure 8
  • Oral ergot tablets show unpredictable bioavailability and should not be used for any purpose 8

Noncontraceptive Benefits of COCs 2

  • Reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers
  • Improved menstruation-related symptoms (acne, migraine, premenstrual dysphoric disorder)
  • More favorable bleeding patterns

References

1
Research

Comparison of a paper pill with a conventional oral contraceptive tablet.

The Journal of international medical research, 1980

3
Guideline

Oral Contraceptives for Menstrual Control

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

6
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

7
Guideline

Cefuroxime Dosing in Pregnancy

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2026

Related Questions

Can I refill a 24-year-old woman's combined oral contraceptive pill after confirming she has no new contraindications and is not pregnant?
What is the recommended oral contraceptive for a 19-year-old female, weighing 222.0lbs, with no mentioned past medical history, who wants to start birth control?
What advice should be given to a female patient who misses 2 days of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs)?
What are alternative birth control options for patients experiencing abdominal pain due to Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs)?
For a 22‑year‑old woman with normal body‑mass index who is not breastfeeding, what is the earliest safe time to initiate combined oral contraceptive therapy postpartum?
In an adult with gout, which should be used as first‑line urate‑lowering therapy—allopurinol or probenecid—and what are the appropriate dosing, contraindications, and renal function considerations for each?
Is hnbb an appropriate and approved method for cervical ripening?
What is the minimum daily protein intake (g/kg body weight) for a healthy adult performing regular strength training to support muscle growth?
In a child with brief, frequent staring spells that begin and end abruptly, with preserved awareness and no motor activity, what is the most likely diagnosis and what are the recommended diagnostic evaluation and acute and long‑term management?
What is the likelihood of classic absence seizures in a 14‑month‑old infant?
What are the clinical features, differential diagnosis, diagnostic workup, and management of bulbar palsy?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question