Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEMULEN 1 35 21 versus LESSINA 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEMULEN 1 35 21 versus LESSINA 21.
DEMULEN 1/35-21 vs LESSINA-21
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and ethynodiol diacetate (progestin). Inhibits gonadotropin secretion (FSH, LH) via negative feedback on hypothalamic-pituitary axis, suppressing ovulation. Additionally, thickens cervical mucus and alters endometrial receptivity.
Combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Suppresses gonadotropin release (FSH, LH) from pituitary, inhibiting ovulation. Causes cervical mucus thickening and endometrial alterations, impeding sperm penetration and implantation.
One tablet orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days off. Each tablet contains 1 mg ethynodiol diacetate and 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol.
One tablet (0.1 mg levonorgestrel, 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol) orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days placebo or no tablets.
None Documented
None Documented
Ethinyl estradiol: 13±3 hours (terminal); norethindrone: 8±3 hours. Steady-state achieved after ~5 days.
17-21 hours (terminal elimination half-life; clinical significance: allows once-daily dosing, but missed doses increase risk of ovulation)
Renal (primarily as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates): ~60%; fecal: ~40%
Renal (70% as unchanged drug and metabolites), fecal (30% as metabolites)
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive