Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEMULEN 1 35 21 versus ORTHO NOVUM 7 7 7 28.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEMULEN 1 35 21 versus ORTHO NOVUM 7 7 7 28.
DEMULEN 1/35-21 vs ORTHO-NOVUM 7/7/7-28
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 estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (norethindrone) inhibits gonadotropin secretion, preventing ovulation; increases cervical mucus viscosity, impeding sperm penetration; alters endometrial development, reducing 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 28 consecutive days (21 active tablets followed by 7 placebo tablets). Each active tablet contains 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol and varying progestin doses: 7 tablets of 0.5 mg norethindrone, 7 tablets of 0.75 mg norethindrone, and 7 tablets of 1 mg norethindrone.
None Documented
None Documented
Ethinyl estradiol: 13±3 hours (terminal); norethindrone: 8±3 hours. Steady-state achieved after ~5 days.
EE: terminal half-life 13-27 hours (mean ~17 hours); NET: 7-13 hours (mean ~10 hours). Clinical context: steady state reached after 4-7 days; missed pills may reduce contraceptive efficacy.
Renal (primarily as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates): ~60%; fecal: ~40%
Ethinyl estradiol (EE) is excreted in urine (40%) and feces (60%) as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. Norethindrone (NET) is excreted primarily in urine (60-80%) as glucuronide conjugates, with 10% in feces. Biliary excretion contributes minimally.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive