Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: HAILEY 1 5 30 versus NORTREL 1 35 28.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: HAILEY 1 5 30 versus NORTREL 1 35 28.
HAILEY 1.5/30 vs NORTREL 1/35-28
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel. Ethinyl estradiol suppresses gonadotropin release via negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis; desogestrel, a progestin, inhibits ovulation and alters cervical mucus and endometrial receptivity.
Combination of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone inhibits gonadotropin secretion via negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, suppressing ovulation. Additionally, increases cervical mucus viscosity and alters endometrial receptivity.
One tablet (ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg, levonorgestrel 0.15 mg) orally once daily at the same time each day for 21 days, followed by 7 placebo tablets. For continuous cycling, may take active tablets daily without placebo.
One tablet (norethindrone 1 mg + ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg) orally once daily for 28 days, followed by a 7-day placebo period (if using 28-day pack) or continuous if using 21-day pack with 7-day off. Start on first day of menstrual period.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life of ethinyl estradiol is 13-27 hours (mean 17 hours); for norgestimate, active metabolite norelgestromin has half-life 12-30 hours (mean 19 hours). Steady state reached after 7-14 days.
Norethindrone: 5-14 hours (terminal); ethinyl estradiol: 13-27 hours (terminal). Context: steady-state after 5-7 days; dose adjustment in hepatic impairment.
Approximately 40% renal (as metabolites), 32% fecal (as metabolites), and <1% unchanged in urine.
Renal 60-70% (as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates), fecal 20-30% (via biliary excretion).
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive