Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LEVONEST versus YASMIN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LEVONEST versus YASMIN.
LEVONEST vs YASMIN
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 drospirenone suppresses gonadotropins, inhibiting ovulation. Drospirenone has antimineralocorticoid activity, reducing water retention, and antiandrogenic activity.
One tablet (levonorgestrel 1.5 mg) orally as a single dose within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.
One tablet (ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg / drospirenone 3 mg) orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of placebo.
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.
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 30 hours for drospirenone; steady-state concentration is achieved after 10 days of daily dosing.
Renal excretion of conjugated metabolites accounts for approximately 60-80% of an administered dose; fecal elimination via bile accounts for 20-40%.
Approximately 40% renal and 60% fecal after oral administration; metabolites are excreted as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive