Emergency postcoital contraception

Wantana Reanmongkol, Assoc. Prof., D. of Clinical Pharmacy, F. of Pharmaceutical Sci., PSU.
Sanguan Lerkiatbundit, Asst. Prof., D. of Pharmaceutical Ad., F. of Pharmaceutical Sci., PSU.
Corresponding e-mail : lsanguan@makok.pharmacy.psu.ac.th

Grant : F. of Phar Sci., PSU.
Published : Thai J of Pharm Sci 1999, 23(2) : 63-74.
Key words : emergency contraception, post-coital contraception, levonorgestrel, Yuzpe regimen

Postcoital emergency contraception is the use of a drug or device to prevent pregnancy after intercourse. The word "emergency" indicates that it should not be used as a regular contraception. It is intended to be used in the case of emergency such as burst condom and unexpected and unprotected intercourse. The article reviews drugs and device for emergency contraception including high dose estrogen, combined estrogen and progesterone, levonorgestrel, mifepristone, danazol and copper-bearing intrauterine device. Drug of choice for emergency contraception is 0.75 mg levonorgestrel given twice with 12 hours between doses. The first dose should be taken within 72 hours after intercourse. This regimen reduced the pregnancy rate by 85%. Yuzpe regimen (ethinylestradiol 0.10 mg and levonorgestrel 0.50 mg) given twice, with 12 hours between doses is also an effective regimen. The first dose should begin within 72 after intercourse. However, side effects are more common with Yuzpe regimen.

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