Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MICROGESTIN 1 20 versus QUARTETTE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MICROGESTIN 1 20 versus QUARTETTE.
MICROGESTIN 1/20 vs QUARTETTE
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination oral contraceptive containing estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (norethindrone acetate). Inhibits gonadotropin secretion (FSH, LH) via negative feedback, preventing ovulation. Also causes cervical mucus thickening and endometrial thinning.
Combination oral contraceptive containing drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, levomefolate calcium, and metformin. Drospirenone is a progestin with antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic activity. Ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen. Levomefolate calcium is a folate supplement. Metformin is a biguanide that decreases hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity.
One tablet (norethindrone acetate 1 mg / ethinyl estradiol 20 mcg) orally once daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by 7 days of placebo or no tablets.
3 mg orally once daily for 21 days followed by 7 days of placebo.
None Documented
None Documented
Norethindrone: 5.2-12.8 hours (mean ~8 hours); Ethinyl estradiol: 7-20 hours (mean ~13 hours); hepatic impairment prolongs.
Terminal elimination half-life is 12-14 hours; clinically this supports once-daily dosing with steady state achieved within 2-3 days.
Renal: 40% as metabolites, 20% as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates; Fecal: 35%; Biliary: <5%.
Renal excretion accounts for 55% (primarily as unchanged drug), biliary/fecal excretion 35%, and the remainder undergoes metabolic clearance.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive