Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LEVONEST versus TRI LEGEST 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LEVONEST versus TRI LEGEST 21.
LEVONEST vs TRI-LEGEST 21
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 estrogen-progestin contraceptive; suppresses gonadotropins (FSH, LH), inhibits ovulation, alters cervical mucus and endometrium.
One tablet (levonorgestrel 1.5 mg) orally as a single dose within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.
One tablet orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 tablet-free days. Each tablet contains norgestimate 0.18 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.025 mg (days 1-7), norgestimate 0.215 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.025 mg (days 8-14), norgestimate 0.25 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.025 mg (days 15-21).
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.
Ethinyl estradiol: 13-27 hours (mean ~17 hours); norgestimate active metabolite (norelgestromin): 22-36 hours (mean ~28 hours). Steady-state achieved within 5-10 days.
Renal excretion of conjugated metabolites accounts for approximately 60-80% of an administered dose; fecal elimination via bile accounts for 20-40%.
Renal: approximately 50-60% as metabolites; fecal: approximately 40-50% (ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate metabolites excreted in bile and feces); less than 1% unchanged in urine.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive