Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO NOVUM 1 35 21 versus ORTHO NOVUM 1 50 28.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO NOVUM 1 35 21 versus ORTHO NOVUM 1 50 28.
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/35-21 vs ORTHO-NOVUM 1/50 28
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination estrogen-progestin contraceptive; suppresses gonadotropin (FSH and LH) secretion via negative feedback, inhibiting ovulation. Increases cervical mucus viscosity and alters endometrial lining, impairing sperm penetration and implantation.
Combination oral contraceptive; suppresses gonadotropin secretion (FSH, LH) via estrogen and progestin, inhibiting ovulation, increasing cervical mucus viscosity, and altering endometrial structure.
One tablet orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 placebo tablets. Each tablet contains 1 mg norethindrone and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol.
One tablet (1 mg norethindrone/50 mcg mestranol) orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of placebo tablets (inactive) for a 28-day cycle.
None Documented
None Documented
Norethindrone: 7-9 hours (terminal); Ethinyl estradiol: 13-27 hours (terminal). At steady state, clinical contraceptive efficacy is maintained with daily dosing.
Norethindrone: 5-12 h (mean 8 h); Mestranol: 12-24 h (mean 18 h); steady-state reached within 5-7 days
Renal (approx. 40% as metabolites, <10% unchanged), fecal (approx. 60% as metabolites, primarily via bile).
Renal: ~50-60% as metabolites; fecal: ~30-40% as metabolites; biliary: <10%
Category C
Category C
Hormonal Contraceptive
Hormonal Contraceptive