Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LEVONEST versus MIRCETTE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LEVONEST versus MIRCETTE.
LEVONEST vs MIRCETTE
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestin that inhibits ovulation by suppressing luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, alters cervical mucus to impede sperm penetration, and induces endometrial changes that inhibit implantation.
Combination of ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel; estrogen and progestin inhibit gonadotropin release, suppressing ovulation and altering cervical mucus and endometrial receptivity.
One tablet (levonorgestrel 1.5 mg) orally as a single dose within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.
One tablet daily for 21 days, followed by 7 placebo tablets. Each active tablet contains 0.015 mg ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg chlormadinone acetate. Route: oral.
None Documented
None Documented
The terminal elimination half-life is approximately 24-30 hours. This relatively long half-life supports once-daily dosing and allows for stable plasma concentrations within 5-7 days of continuous use.
Desogestrel active metabolite etonogestrel: 21-24 hours; ethinyl estradiol: 12-14 hours
Renal excretion of conjugated metabolites accounts for approximately 60-80% of an administered dose; fecal elimination via bile accounts for 20-40%.
Urine (50-60% as metabolites, <10% unchanged), feces (30-40% as metabolites)
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive