Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: NORLESTRIN 28 1 50 versus NORQUEST FE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: NORLESTRIN 28 1 50 versus NORQUEST FE.
NORLESTRIN 28 1/50 vs NORQUEST FE
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination estrogen-progestin oral contraceptive; suppresses gonadotropin release via negative feedback on pituitary, inhibits ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, alters endometrial receptivity.
NORQUEST FE is a combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. Ethinyl estradiol suppresses gonadotropin release, inhibiting ovulation. Norethindrone induces progestational changes in the endometrium, increasing cervical mucus viscosity, and also inhibits ovulation.
One tablet orally once daily, each containing norethindrone 1 mg and ethinyl estradiol 50 mcg.
One tablet orally once daily, each tablet containing 1 mg norethindrone acetate and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol (21 active tablets) followed by 7 ferrous fumarate tablets.
None Documented
None Documented
Norethindrone: 8 hours; ethinyl estradiol: 12-15 hours; steady state achieved within 5-10 days.
Terminal half-life: 6-8 hours. Clinical context: Supports once-daily dosing with sustained therapeutic effect.
Norethindrone: 40% renal, 60% fecal; ethinyl estradiol: 40% renal, 60% fecal.
Renal: 80% (50% unchanged, 30% as metabolites); Fecal: 19%; Biliary: <1%
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive