Emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) with Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg is MOST effective when taken within how many hours of unprotected intercourse?
- A 72 hours ✓
- B 12 hours
- C 96 hours
- D 120 hours
Correct answer: A. 72 hours
Explanation
Levonorgestrel ECP (1.5 mg single dose or 0.75 mg × 2 doses 12 hours apart) is most effective within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected intercourse, with efficacy of approximately 95% if taken within 24 hours, declining to 85% at 24–48 hours and 58% at 48–72 hours. Ulipristal acetate (ella) and Cu-IUCD can be used up to 120 hours (5 days). In India, LNG-ECP (i-Pill, Unwanted 72) is available over the counter.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.