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Look Up > Drugs > Norgestrel
Norgestrel
Pronunciation
U.S. Brand Names
Generic Available
Pharmacological Index
Use
Pregnancy Risk Factor
Contraindications
Warnings/Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Overdosage/Toxicology
Drug Interactions
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics
Usual Dosage
Dietary Considerations
Test Interactions
Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status
Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment
Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
Patient Information
Nursing Implications
Dosage Forms

Pronunciation
(nor JES trel)

U.S. Brand Names
Ovrette®

Generic Available

No


Pharmacological Index

Contraceptive


Use

Prevention of pregnancy; progestin only products have higher risk of failure in contraceptive use


Pregnancy Risk Factor

X


Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to norgestrel; thromboembolic disorders, severe hepatic disease, breast cancer, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, pregnancy


Warnings/Precautions

Discontinue if sudden loss of vision or if diplopia or proptosis occur; use with caution in patients with a history of mental depression; use of any progestin during the first 4 months of pregnancy is not recommended


Adverse Reactions

>10%:

Cardiovascular: Edema

Endocrine & metabolic: Breakthrough bleeding, spotting, changes in menstrual flow, amenorrhea

Gastrointestinal: Anorexia

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness

1% to 10%:

Cardiovascular: Embolism, central thrombosis

Central nervous system: Mental depression, fever, insomnia

Dermatologic: Melasma or chloasma, allergic rash with or without pruritus

Endocrine & metabolic: Changes in cervical erosion and secretions, increased breast tenderness

Gastrointestinal: Weight gain or loss

Hepatic: Cholestatic jaundice

Local: Thrombophlebitis


Overdosage/Toxicology

Toxicity is unlikely following single exposures of excessive doses

Supportive treatment is adequate in most cases


Drug Interactions

Decreased effect: Aminoglutethimide may decrease effects by increasing hepatic metabolism


Mechanism of Action

Inhibits secretion of pituitary gonadotropin (LH) which prevents follicular maturation and ovulation


Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Absorption: Oral: Readily absorbed

Protein binding: >90%

Metabolism: Primarily hepatic

Half-life: ~20 hours


Usual Dosage

Administer daily, starting the first day of menstruation, take 1 tablet at the same time each day, every day of the year. If one dose is missed, take as soon as remembered, then next tablet at regular time; if two doses are missed, take 1 tablet and discard the other, then take daily at usual time; if three doses are missed, use an additional form of birth control until menses or pregnancy is ruled out.


Dietary Considerations

Should be administered with food at same time each day


Test Interactions

Thyroid function tests, metyrapone test, liver function tests


Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

May cause insomnia or depression


Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

None reported


Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions

No information available to require special precautions


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

Until we know more about the mechanism of interaction, caution is required in prescribing antibiotics to female dental patients taking progestin-only oral contraceptives


Patient Information

Take this medicine only as directed; do not take more of it and do not take it for a longer period of time; if you suspect you may have become pregnant, stop taking this medicine; report any loss of vision or vision changes immediately; avoid excessive exposure to sunlight


Nursing Implications

Patients should receive a copy of the patient labeling


Dosage Forms

Tablet: 0.075 mg


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