Levonorgestrel
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Levonorgestrel
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| Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
| 13-ethyl-17-ethynyl-17-hydroxy- 1,2,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, 17- tetradecahydrocyclopenta[a] phenanthren-3-one | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 17489-40-6 |
| ATC code | G03AC03 |
| PubChem | 13109 |
| DrugBank | APRD00754 |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | C21H28O2 |
| Mol. weight | 312.446 g/mol |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | ~100% |
| Protein binding | 55% |
| Metabolism | Hepatic |
| Half life | ? |
| Excretion | Renal: 45%; Fecal:32% |
| Therapeutic considerations | |
| Pregnancy cat. |
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| Legal status | |
| Routes | Implant; Insert (extended-release); Tablet |
Levonorgestrel (or L-Norgestrel) is a molecule used in hormonal contraceptives. It is a 19-nortestosterone progestin derived from testosterone. It has mostly progestogenic effects, but also has androgenic and estrogenic effects.
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[edit] Oral contraceptives
At a relatively low dose, levonorgestrel can be formulated as a monophasic, biphasic, or triphasic tablet. In the United States, the available dosages for the monophasic formulation range from 0.1 to 0.15 mg. This range is slightly modified in biphasic and triphasic forms.
[edit] Emergency contraception
Levonorgestrel is used in emergency contraception pills, both in a combined regimen which includes estrogen, and as a levonorgestrel-only method. There are many names for levonorgestrel-only emergency contraception products, including Plan B, Levonelle One Step, and Postinor-2.
[edit] IUD
Levonorgestrel is the active ingredient in Mirena.
[edit] Contraceptive implants
Levonorgestrel is the active ingredient in Norplant and Jadelle.
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