Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO NOVUM 1 50 21 versus ORTHO NOVUM 1 80 28.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO NOVUM 1 50 21 versus ORTHO NOVUM 1 80 28.
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/50 21 vs ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination oral contraceptive consisting of mestranol (estrogen) and norethindrone (progestin). Mestranol is converted to ethinyl estradiol, which suppresses gonadotropin release (FSH, LH) from the pituitary, inhibiting ovulation. Norethindrone induces changes in cervical mucus (increasing viscosity) and endometrial lining, creating a hostile environment for sperm implantation.
Combination estrogen-progestin contraceptive; primarily inhibits ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin release (FSH and LH). Also increases cervical mucus viscosity and alters endometrial receptivity.
One tablet orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 tablet-free days. Each tablet contains 1 mg norethindrone and 50 mcg mestranol.
One tablet orally once daily at the same time each day for 28 days (21 active tablets containing norethindrone 1 mg and ethinyl estradiol 80 mcg, followed by 7 placebo tablets).
None Documented
None Documented
Norethindrone: biphasic terminal half-life 7-9 hours for parent compound, 8-11 hours for metabolites; clinical steady-state achieved after 5-7 days.
Norethindrone: 7-8 hours; mestranol: 10-13 hours (terminal). Steady-state achieved in 5-7 days.
Renal 50-60% as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of norethindrone and mestranol/metabolites; fecal 20-30% via biliary elimination.
Norethindrone: 50-60% renal, 20-30% fecal; mestranol: 30-40% renal, 60-70% fecal.
Category C
Category C
Hormonal Contraceptive
Hormonal Contraceptive