Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO NOVUM 1 50 21 versus ORTHO NOVUM 2 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO NOVUM 1 50 21 versus ORTHO NOVUM 2 21.
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/50 21 vs ORTHO-NOVUM 2-21
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 of estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (norethindrone) inhibits ovulation via negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, suppressing gonadotropin release. Additionally, induces changes in cervical mucus and endometrium.
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 for 21 days followed by 7 days off. Each tablet contains norethindrone 2 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.1 mg.
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: terminal half-life 5-12 hours; ethinyl estradiol: terminal half-life 7-20 hours (enterohepatic recirculation may prolong effect). Steady-state achieved after 5-7 days.
Renal 50-60% as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of norethindrone and mestranol/metabolites; fecal 20-30% via biliary elimination.
Renal (approx. 60% as metabolites), fecal (approx. 40% as metabolites). Norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol are extensively metabolized; less than 5% excreted unchanged in urine.
Category C
Category C
Hormonal Contraceptive
Hormonal Contraceptive