Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: GENCEPT 10 11 28 versus OVULEN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: GENCEPT 10 11 28 versus OVULEN.
GENCEPT 10/11-28 vs OVULEN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination of ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and levonorgestrel (progestin) inhibits ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin release, increases cervical mucus viscosity to impede sperm penetration, and alters endometrial receptivity.
Ovulen is a combination oral contraceptive containing ethynodiol diacetate (a progestin) and mestranol (an estrogen). It inhibits ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, reducing luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion from the pituitary. It also increases cervical mucus viscosity and alters endometrial development, impeding sperm penetration and implantation.
One tablet (ethinyl estradiol 0.01 mg/levonorgestrel 0.1 mg) orally once daily for 28 days. For the first 21 days, active tablets are taken; the next 7 days are placebo tablets.
1 tablet (1 mg ethynodiol diacetate, 50 mcg mestranol) orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of placebo or no medication.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 8-12 hours. Steady state is achieved within 2-3 days.
Ethinylestradiol: 10-20 hours (mean 17 hours); Dimethisterone: 10-15 hours. Clinical context: Steady state achieved after 3-5 days; elimination prolonged in hepatic impairment.
Renal excretion accounts for approximately 70% of elimination (as unchanged drug and metabolites), with about 10% biliary/fecal. The remaining is metabolized.
Renal: 50-60% as metabolites (glucuronide and sulfate conjugates), biliary/fecal: 40-50% (enterohepatic circulation).
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive