Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LYBREL versus TRI NORINYL 28 DAY.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LYBREL versus TRI NORINYL 28 DAY.
LYBREL vs TRI-NORINYL 28-DAY
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol: suppression of gonadotropins (FSH and LH) via negative feedback, inhibiting ovulation; thickening of cervical mucus to impede sperm penetration; alteration of endometrium to reduce implantation likelihood.
Combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. Suppresses gonadotropin (FSH and LH) release via negative feedback, inhibiting ovulation. Also increases viscosity of cervical mucus and alters endometrial lining to reduce implantation likelihood.
One tablet (levonorgestrel 0.1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg) orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 placebo tablets for 28-day cycle.
One tablet orally once daily for 21 days, followed by one placebo tablet orally once daily for 7 days. Each active tablet contains 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.5 mg norethindrone (7 days), 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol and 1.0 mg norethindrone (9 days), and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.5 mg norethindrone (5 days).
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 27 ± 8 hours; requires ~5 days to reach steady-state; clinical significance: missed doses lead to rapid loss of contraceptive efficacy.
Ethinyl estradiol: 17 ± 6 hours (terminal); Norethindrone: 10 ± 3 hours (terminal). Steady-state achieved after 7-14 days.
Renal: 50-60% as metabolites, ~20% as parent drug; fecal: 30-40%; biliary: 10-20%.
Renal: 40% as metabolites; Fecal: 50% as metabolites; Biliary: minor; unchanged ethinyl estradiol excreted in urine <5%, norethindrone <1%.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive