Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MICROGESTIN FE 1 20 versus TRIPHASIL 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MICROGESTIN FE 1 20 versus TRIPHASIL 21.
MICROGESTIN FE 1/20 vs TRIPHASIL-21
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and norethindrone acetate (progestin). Suppresses gonadotropins via negative feedback on hypothalamic-pituitary axis, inhibiting ovulation; increases cervical mucus viscosity and alters endometrial lining.
Combination of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel suppresses gonadotropin release, inhibiting ovulation; alters cervical mucus to impair sperm penetration and endometrial receptivity.
One tablet orally once daily, containing norethindrone acetate 1 mg and ethinyl estradiol 20 mcg, taken at the same time each day for 21 days followed by 7 days of placebo (iron tablets) or continuous cycling per prescribing information.
One tablet orally daily for 21 days, followed by 7 drug-free days. Each tablet contains levonorgestrel 0.05 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg (days 1-6), levonorgestrel 0.075 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.04 mg (days 7-11), and levonorgestrel 0.125 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg (days 12-21).
None Documented
None Documented
Norethindrone: 5-14 hours (mean 8 hours); Ethinyl estradiol: 12-24 hours (mean 18 hours); Steady-state in 5-7 days
Levonorgestrel: 10-45 hours (terminal, biphasic); ethinyl estradiol: 10-27 hours (terminal, triphasic). Clinical context: Steady state reached after 7-14 days with daily dosing.
Renal: ~50-60% as metabolites; Fecal: ~30-40% as metabolites; Biliary: minor; <1% unchanged
Renal: 30-50% (ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel metabolites as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates). Fecal: 30-50% (biliary excretion of unconjugated metabolites). Unchanged drug: negligible.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive