What is the brand name for Norethindrone?
The brand name for Norethindrone is Aygestin.
PTCE Top 200 · #136
Norethindrone
Aygestin
Norethindrone is the generic name for the brand-name drug Aygestin. It is a progestin used to treat amenorrhea, endometriosis. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Norethindrone ranks #136 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 | Norethindrone |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Aygestin |
| Drug class | Progestin |
| Class group | Hormones/Women's Health |
| Common use | amenorrhea, endometriosis |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Norethindrone used for?
Progestin used for secondary amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, and endometriosis (norethindrone acetate 5 mg). Note: the separate norethindrone 0.35 mg mini-pill is the progestin-only contraceptive, not this product.
What drug class is Norethindrone?
Norethindrone is a Progestin 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 Norethindrone
- arrow_rightIrregular bleeding/spotting
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightBreast tenderness
- arrow_rightMood changes
- arrow_rightWeight change
Major interactions
- arrow_rightEnzyme inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John's wort) → reduced contraceptive efficacy
- arrow_rightSome antivirals/antibiotics may reduce hormone levels—use backup if advised
Is Norethindrone a controlled substance?
No. Norethindrone is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Norethindrone (PTCE mnemonic)
AY-gestin = AGE-stops menses — NoreTHINdrone = 'thin lining'. Irregular bleeding common; for amenorrhea, endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding; clot risk.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Norethindrone wears two hats: higher-dose Aygestin for gynecologic conditions vs progestin-only 'mini-pill' birth control — where same-time-every-day counseling defines the category.
Norethindrone FAQ
What is Norethindrone used for?
Norethindrone is used to treat amenorrhea, endometriosis. Progestin used for secondary amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, and endometriosis (norethindrone acetate 5 mg). Note: the separate norethindrone 0.35 mg mini-pill is the progestin-only contraceptive, not this product.
What drug class is Norethindrone?
Norethindrone is a Progestin (Hormones/Women's Health group).
Is Norethindrone a controlled substance?
No. Norethindrone is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Hormones/Women's Health group
Drill Norethindrone the way the PTCE asks it
RxReflex turns the Top 200 drugs into fast flashcard rounds, a guided Learn path, pharmacy math, and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
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).