Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEMULEN 1 35 21 versus NORTREL 1 35 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEMULEN 1 35 21 versus NORTREL 1 35 21.
DEMULEN 1/35-21 vs NORTREL 1/35-21
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 of ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and norethindrone (progestin) suppresses gonadotropin (FSH and LH) release from the pituitary, inhibiting ovulation, altering cervical mucus to impede sperm penetration, and inducing endometrial changes that reduce implantation likelihood.
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 orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days off, then repeat.
None Documented
None Documented
Ethinyl estradiol: 13±3 hours (terminal); norethindrone: 8±3 hours. Steady-state achieved after ~5 days.
Norethindrone: 5-14 hours; Ethinyl estradiol: 17-24 hours. Steady-state achieved after 10 days.
Renal (primarily as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates): ~60%; fecal: ~40%
Renal 50-60% as metabolites, fecal 40-50% as conjugates, <1% unchanged
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive