What is the brand name for Estradiol?
The brand name for Estradiol is Estrace.
PTCE Top 200 · #56
Estradiol
Estrace
Estradiol is the generic name for the brand-name drug Estrace. It is an estrogen used to treat menopause symptoms. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Estradiol ranks #56 and is one of the most frequently tested hormones/women's health medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Estradiol |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Estrace |
| Drug class | Estrogen |
| Class group | Hormones/Women's Health |
| Common use | menopause symptoms |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Estradiol used for?
• Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause. • Moderate-to-severe vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause. • Hypoestrogenism due to hypogonadism, castration, or primary ovarian failure. • Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis (when appropriate).
What drug class is Estradiol?
Estradiol is an Estrogen in the Hormones/Women's Health group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Estradiol
- arrow_rightBreast tenderness
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightVaginal bleeding/spotting
- arrow_rightFluid retention
Major interactions
- arrow_rightEnzyme inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin) may ↓ estrogen levels/effect
- arrow_rightThyroid hormone replacement: estrogens may ↑ thyroid-binding globulin (dose adjustment may be needed)
- arrow_rightWarfarin/anticoagulants: may alter anticoagulant requirements
- arrow_rightOther drugs affecting CYP metabolism may change estradiol exposure (formulation-dependent)
Is Estradiol a controlled substance?
No. Estradiol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
Systemic estrogens: increased risk of endometrial cancer (with unopposed estrogen) and increased risk of cardiovascular events (MI, stroke, VTE) and probable dementia (in older postmenopausal women); use lowest effective dose for shortest duration.
How to remember Estradiol (PTCE mnemonic)
EStrace = ESTrogen — estradiol replaces. Clot risk (VTE/stroke), breast/endometrial cancer warning; lowest dose, shortest duration.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Estradiol is an estrogen for menopause / HRT — it comes as oral, patch, and vaginal forms, and estrogens carry a clotting-risk warning.
Estradiol FAQ
What is Estradiol used for?
Estradiol is used to treat menopause symptoms. • Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause. • Moderate-to-severe vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause. • Hypoestrogenism due to hypogonadism, castration, or primary ovarian failure. • Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis (when appropriate).
What drug class is Estradiol?
Estradiol is an Estrogen (Hormones/Women's Health group).
Is Estradiol a controlled substance?
No. Estradiol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Drill Estradiol the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).