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GENITO URINARY SYSTEM AND SEX HORMONES › SEX HORMONES AND MODULATORS OF THE GENITAL SYSTEM › PROGESTOGENS AND ESTROGENS IN COMBINATION › Progestogens and estrogens, fixed combinations
noretynodrel and estrogen
G03FA09
Forms & Strengths
- Combination oral contraceptive: Norethynodrel 5 mg to 9.85 mg with mestranol 0.075 mg to 0.15 mg (historical/legacy formulations)
Adult Dosing
- Contraception: 1 tablet daily starting on day 5 of the menstrual cycle for 20 days, followed by 7 days off or placebo (historical regimen)
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy established only after menarche
- Post-menarche adolescent females: Same as adult dosing
Indications
- Prevention of pregnancy (historical first combined oral contraceptive)
- Treatment of hypermenorrhea and endometriosis (historical)
Mechanism of Action
- Suppression of gonadotropins (FSH and LH) via estrogen and progestin feedback
- Inhibition of ovulation
- Alteration of cervical mucus to impede sperm penetration
- Modification of the endometrium to prevent implantation
Contraindications
- Known or suspected pregnancy
- Active thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
- History of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
- Cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease
- Known or suspected carcinoma of the breast or estrogen-dependent neoplasia
- Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
- Hepatic tumor or active liver disease
- Hypersensitivity to any component
Adverse Reactions
- Venous thromboembolism and arterial thrombosis
- Hypertension
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps
- Breakthrough bleeding, spotting, amenorrhea
- Breast tenderness, enlargement, or secretion
- Headache, migraine, dizziness
- Weight changes, edema
- Melasma, rash
Drug Interactions
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, phenytoin) decrease contraceptive efficacy
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) may increase plasma hormone levels
- Anticoagulants: Efficacy of anticoagulant therapy may be altered
- Antidiabetic agents: Estrogens may raise blood glucose, requiring dosage adjustment
- Lamotrigine: Hormonal contraceptives may decrease plasma concentrations
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use