Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CYCLAFEM 1 35 versus NORTREL 0 5 35 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CYCLAFEM 1 35 versus NORTREL 0 5 35 21.
CYCLAFEM 1/35 vs NORTREL 0.5/35-21
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. Suppresses gonadotropin (FSH, LH) secretion via estrogen and progestin negative feedback, inhibiting ovulation. Progestin alters cervical mucus (sperm penetration) and endometrial receptivity.
Combination hormonal contraceptive containing norethindrone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). Norethindrone inhibits ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin release (LH and FSH) and alters cervical mucus and endometrial receptivity. Ethinyl estradiol provides negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, further suppressing ovulation.
One tablet orally once daily. Each tablet contains 1 mg norethindrone and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol. Administer daily for 21 days followed by 7 days of placebo or no tablet.
1 tablet orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days off. Each tablet contains 0.5 mg norethindrone and 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol.
None Documented
None Documented
Half-life of norethindrone is 5-14 hours; ethinyl estradiol is 10-20 hours. Steady state reached after 5-7 days.
Norethindrone: terminal half-life approximately 7-8 hours. Ethinyl estradiol: terminal half-life approximately 13-27 hours, mean about 17 hours. Ethinyl estradiol exhibits a longer half-life due to enterohepatic recirculation and extensive tissue distribution.
Renal 40-60% as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, biliary/fecal 20-40%.
Norethindrone is primarily excreted renally (approximately 60-80% as metabolites) and approximately 20-40% fecally. Ethinyl estradiol is excreted renally (about 40%) and fecally (about 60%) as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive