Generic
Norgestrel
2 brands available in the market
At a glance
Norgestrel is a progestin used for contraception, menorrhagia and menopausal hormone replacement therapy. It inhibits secretion of gonadotropins from pituitary gland, prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus to inhibit sperm penetration.
Description
Norgestrel is a progestin that inhibits secretion of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland. It prevents ovulation in half of users and thickens cervical mucus to inhibit sperm penetration.
Indications
- Contraception
- Menorrhagia
- Menopausal HRT
Therapeutic class
Oral Contraceptive Preparations
Pharmacological class
Progestin
Pharmacology
Norgestrel inhibits gonadotropin secretion from the pituitary gland, preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to block sperm penetration.
Mechanism of action
Provides contraception by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Contraception: 0.075 mg once daily, at same time each day
- Continue taking one tablet every day; start new pack the next day after finishing old pack; no break between packs
Administration
- Take at the same time each day
- May be taken with or without food
- Periods may be early or late, shorter or longer, heavier or lighter; spotting may occur; do not stop taking pills if this happens
Missed dose
If more than 3 hours late or miss a pill, use a back-up method of birth control for the next 2 days.
Side effects
Common Side Effects (>10%):
- Edema
- Weakness
- Anorexia
- Amenorrhea
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Change in menstrual flow
- Spotting
Others: Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, breast discomfort, gynaecomastia, depression, skin disorders, appetite disturbance, weight changes, fluid retention, changes in libido, cholestatic jaundice, hair loss or hirsutism. Benign intracranial hypertension, thrombocytopenic purpura. Potentially Fatal: Thrombocytopenia, stroke.
Precautions & warnings
- Sex-steroid dependent cancer, past ectopic pregnancy, malabsorption syndromes, functional ovarian cysts, active liver disease, recurrent cholestatic jaundice, history of jaundice in pregnancy, CV or renal impairment, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, migraine, conditions aggravated by fluid retention, depression and thromboembolism (high doses)
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- Severe arterial disease
- Liver adenoma
- Porphyria
- After recent evacuation of hydatidiform mole
- History of breast cancer
- Hepatic impairment
Drug interactions
- Acitretin, isotretinoin, troleandomycin
- Griseofulvin, modafinil, rifamycins (rifampin, rifabutin), St. John's wort
- Drugs used to treat seizures (barbiturates, carbamazepine, felbamate, phenytoin, primidone, topiramate)
- HIV drugs (nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir)
Food interactions
May be taken with or without food.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Norgestrel is highly unsafe during pregnancy; do not use during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Category: X — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Caution during breastfeeding; risk of thromboembolism with high doses.
Pediatric use
Not intended for use in children.
Geriatric use
Elderly may require dose adjustment.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in kidney disease; dose adjustment may be needed.
Hepatic Impairment: Not recommended in liver disease; caution.
Overdose effects
Limited information on overdose; symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store in a dry place, away from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Norgestrel