What is the brand name for Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate?
The most common brand name for Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate is Ortho Tri-Cyclen / Sprintec.
PTCE Top 200 · #97
Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate
Ortho Tri-Cyclen / Sprintec
Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate is the generic name for the brand-name drug Ortho Tri-Cyclen. It is a combined oral contraceptive used to treat birth control, acne. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate ranks #97 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 | Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Ortho Tri-Cyclen / Sprintec |
| Drug class | Combined oral contraceptive |
| Class group | Hormones/Women's Health |
| Common use | birth control, acne |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate used for?
Combined oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy; some products are also indicated for acne in appropriate patients.
What drug class is Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate?
Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate is a Combined oral contraceptive 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 Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightBreast tenderness
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightBreakthrough bleeding/spotting
- arrow_rightMood changes
- arrow_rightBloating
Major interactions
- arrow_rightEnzyme inducers (rifampin/rifabutin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, barbiturates, topiramate at higher doses, St John’s wort) ↓ contraceptive efficacy
- arrow_rightSome antiretrovirals and certain anticonvulsants can alter hormone levels—use backup contraception as directed
- arrow_rightLamotrigine levels can decrease with combined OCs (seizure control impact)
Is Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate a controlled substance?
No. Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
WARNING: Cigarette smoking and serious cardiovascular events — contraindicated in women >35 years who smoke.
How to remember Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate (PTCE mnemonic)
TRI-Cyclen cycles 3 progestin doses — EE + norgestimate combo OC. Acne benefit; clot risk (VTE/stroke); NO smoking >35yo (boxed).
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PTCE exam tip
Another combined oral contraceptive (estrogen + progestin). Recognizing 'ethinyl estradiol' as the estrogen component is the key exam skill.
Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate FAQ
What is Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate used for?
Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate is used to treat birth control, acne. Combined oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy; some products are also indicated for acne in appropriate patients.
What drug class is Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate?
Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate is a Combined oral contraceptive (Hormones/Women's Health group).
Is Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate a controlled substance?
No. Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Hormones/Women's Health group
Drill Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate 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).