1
Pharmacology of
Reproductive System
2
Learning objective
At the end of this chapter the student will be able
to:
 Recognize drugs used as oxytocic agents
 Describe types of sexual hormones, their
pharmacologic and physiological effects
 Differentiate types of hormonal contraception
with their uses and adverse effects including
preparations
3
OXYTOCICS
 These are group of drugs that cause contraction of the uterus
 They include
 Oxytocin
 Prostaglandins
 Ergometrine
Oxytocin
• Oxytocin is a peptide hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary
Actions:
1. Oxytocin stimulates the uterus and cause physiologic type of
contraction
2. It also causes ejection of milk through contraction of the myo-
epithelial cells around the alveoli of the mammary gland
4
Pharmacokinetics:
 It is inactivated orally and absorbed rapidly after
intramuscular administration
 It can also be absorbed from the nasal and buccal
membranes
 Oxytocin is administered intravenously for initiation
and augmentation of labor
 It also can be administered intramuscularly for control
of postpartum bleeding
Use:
 Induction of labor in women with uterine inertia
 relief of breast engorgement during lactation (few
minutes before breast feeding) as nasal spray; and,
 postpartum hemorrhage
5
Side effect:
 Oxytocin may cause over stimulation and leads to
rupture of the uterus in the presence of cephalo-
pelvic disproportion
 Therefore it’s contraindicated in woman with a uterine
scar
 High concentrations can cause excessive fluid retention,
or water intoxication, leading to hyponatremia, heart
failure, seizures, and death
6
Prostaglandins
 They induce labor at anytime during pregnancy but are
most effective at the third trimester
 In female reproductive system:
 prostaglandin E & F are found in ovaries,
endometrium and menstrual fluid which are
responsible for initiating and maintaining the
normal birth process
 PGF2ά, and PGE stimulate both the tone and amplitude
of the uterine contraction
7
 dinoprostone (PGE2) has been used as an
alternative to oxytocin for the induction of labor
 misoprostol (PGE1)is an effective agent for both
cervical ripening and labor induction
Adverse reaction:
 nausa; vomiting; headache; diarrhea; and, fever etc.
 PGs should be used cautiously in the presence of
hypo/hypertension, angina, and diabetes
 They are contraindicated in the presence of
cardiac, pulmonary (PGF2ά,) or hepatic disease
8
Ergometrine
• This is one of the ergot alkaloids which has the
ability to cause contraction of the uterine
smooth muscle
• It causes sustained uterine contraction
• It is completely absorbed after subcutaneous,
and intravenous administration.
• It is metabolized in the liver and eliminated in
the urine
• Liver damage enhances the toxicity of ergot
alkaloid
9
Use:
 After delivery of placenta if bleeding is severe
(prevent postpartum bleeding)
Adverse effect:
• Nausea and vomiting
• hypertension, headache, and possible
seizures
Contraindications
• pregnancy, and a history of a cerebrovascular
accident or hypertension
10
Sexual Hormones
 Female Sex Hormones
Estrogens
Progestrones
• Male Sex Hormones (Reading assignment)
Testosterone
5α-dihydrotestosterone
11
Female Sex Hormones
ESTROGENS:
can be classified into:
1. Natural – estradiol, esterone, estriol
2. Synthetic – Ethnylestradiol, mestranol, stilbestrol,
diethylstilbestrol, Methallenestril, etc
Ovary is the major site of estrogen synthesis in non
pregnant & premenopausal women
• Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, released from the
hypothalamus, acts on the anterior pituitary to release FSH and
LH
• FSH and LH stimulate follicle development in the ovary
 FSH is the main hormone stimulating estrogen release
12
ESTROGENS…..
 In pregnant women, the feto-placental unit is the major source
of estrogens
 Peripheral sites of estrogen synthesis includes:
- Liver, kidney, brain, adipose tissue, testis
- Accounts for estrogen in postmenopausal women
 In postmenopausal women, ovarian steroid synthesis declines
and peripheral estrogen biosynthesis accounts for all estrogen
produced
 both in postmenopausal women and in males
 The starting substance for estrogen synthesis is cholesterol
 The reaction is catalyzed by a cytochrome P450
monooxygenase enzyme complex (aromatase / CYP19)
13
Pharmacokinetics
 Naturally occurring estrogens: are readily absorbed
through the GIT, skin, and mucous membranes
Taken orally, estradiol is rapidly metabolized (and partially
inactivated) by the liver
o Although there is some first-pass metabolism, it is not
sufficient to lessen the effectiveness when taken orally
 Synthetic estrogen analogs: such as ethinyl estradiol and
mestranol, are well absorbed after oral administration or
through the skin or mucous membranes
 They have a prolonged action and a higher potency compared
to those of natural estrogens
14
MOA & Physiologic Effects of Estrogen
Binding to nuclear receptors and cause subsequent
genomic effects-either gene transcription (i.e. DNA-
directed RNA and protein synthesis) or gene repression
This results in the synthesis of specific proteins that
mediate a number of physiologic functions:
Physiologic Effects
 Stimulate the development of the vagina, uterus, and
uterine tubes as well as the secondary sex characteristics
 Ovary: estrogen affects the ovary through indirectly
influencing the secretion of gonadotrophin
 Uterus: it affects the ‘proliferative phase’ of the
endometrium and also increases the growth and sensitivity
of myometrium for oxytocin
15
Physiologic Effects …….
 When used with progesterone, it causes regular periodic
bleeding and shedding of the endometrial lining
 Cervix: it makes cervical mucus thin and alkaline
 Breast: estrogen causes the growth of gland and duct system
 Anterior pituitary: estrogen inhibit release of
gonadotropins (FSH, LH)
Others
 Retention of salt and water & increases Catt
bone deposition
 Increase blood coagulation
They are responsible for estrous behavior in animals and may
influence behavior and libido in humans
stimulate development of pigmentation in the skin ( nipples and
areolae and in the genital region)
16
Therapeutic use:
• Contraceptive in combination with progestogens
• Functional uterine bleeding
• Dysmenorrhea
• Alleviation of menopausal disorder
• Osteoporosis
• Replacement therapy in ovarian failure
• Prevents atrophic vaginitis
Side effect:
 Thromboembolism, sodium and water retention,
withdrawal bleeding, nausea, endometrial carcinoma
Contraindication:
 History of thromboembolism, indiagnosed uterine
bleeding, endometrial carcinoma, liver disease
17
SELECTIVE ESTROGEN RECEPTOR MODULATORS (SERMS)
SERMs: Tamoxifen, Raloxifene, and Toremifene
 are compounds with tissue-selective actions
 These drugs are to produce:
 beneficial estrogenic actions in certain tissues (e.g., bone, brain, and
liver) during postmenopausal hormone therapy
 but antagonist activity in tissues such as breast and endometrium,
where estrogenic actions (e.g., carcinogenesis) might be deleterious
 Tamoxifen and toremifene are used for treatment of breast cancer
 Both approved for t/t of metastatic breast cancer in
postmenopausal women
 Raloxifene is used primarily for prevention and treatment of
osteoporosis
18
Anti-Estrogens: Clomiphene
 By interfering with the negative feedback effect of estrogens
on the hypothalamus,
 clomiphene increases the secretion of gonadotropin-
releasing hormone and gonadotropins (FSH & LH),
→stimulation of ovulation
 The drug has been used successfully to treat infertility
associated with anovulatory cycles,
 but it is not effective in women with ovulatory
dysfunction due to pituitary or ovarian failure
Adverse
headache, nausea, vasomotor flushes, visual disturbances,
and ovarian enlargement
19
The natural progestational hormone (progestogen) is
progesterone
 This is secreted by the corpus luteum in the second part of
the menstrual cycle, and by the placenta during
pregnancy.
 Small amounts are also secreted by testis and adrenal cortex
There are two main groups of progestogens
 The naturally occurring hormone and its derivatives
 e.g. hydroxyprogesterone, medroxyprogesterone
 Testosterone derivatives
 (e.g. Norethindrone, norgestrel and ethynodiol) can be given orally
 Newer progestogens used in contraception include desogestrel
and gestodene
PROGESTRONES
20
Pharmacokinetics
 Progesterone is rapidly absorbed following administration by
any route
 Its half-life in the plasma is approximately 5 minutes
 It is almost completely metabolized in one passage through
the liver, and for that reason it is quite ineffective when given
orally
 Synthetic progestins are less rapidly metabolized
 Medroxyprogesterone acetate IM has a duration of action of 3
months
 The other progestins last from 1 to 3 days
MOA
 Progestins enter the cell and bind to progesterone receptors
that are distributed between the nucleus and the cytoplasm →
activate gene transcription
21
Physiological and Pharmacological Actions
 Ovary: inhibition of ovulation
 has negative feedback effects on both hypothalamus and
anterior pituitary
 Uterus: decrease estrogen-driven endometrial proliferation and
leads to the development of a secretory endometrium
 and makes the myometrum less sensitive to oxytocin
 Cervix- cause the endocervical glands secrete a scant viscid
(thick) mucus
 progesterone, acting with estrogen, brings about a proliferation
of the acini(clusters) of the mammary gland
 Progesterone suppresses menstruation and uterine contractility
22
Physiological and Pharmacological Actions….
 Progesterone has depressant and hypnotic effects on the
brain
 Metabolic actions:
 Thermogenic action, inhibits sodium reabsorption
Therapeutic use:
 Hormonal contraception
 Combined with estrogen for estrogen replacement therapy
in women with an intact uterus, to prevent endometrial
hyperplasia and carcinoma
 Premenustral tension
unwanted effects
acne, fluid retention, weight change, depression, change
in libido, breast discomfort, irregular menstrual cycles
and breakthrough bleeding, thromboembolism
23
ANTIPROGESTOGENS
Mifepristone
 is a partial agonist at progesterone receptors
 It sensitizes the uterus to the action of prostaglandins
 It is given orally and has a plasma half-life of 21
hours
 Mifepristone is used, in combination with a
prostaglandin (e.g. gemeprost (PGE1)), as a medical
alternative to surgical termination of pregnancy
24
ORAL CONTRACEPTIVEs
 These are drugs taken orally to prevent
conception
Types of hormonal contraceptives include:
1. Combination Oral Contraceptives
(combinations of estrogens and progestins)
a. monophasic forms (constant dosage of both
components during the cycle)
b. biphasic or triphasic forms (dosage of one or both
components is changed once or twice during the cycle)
2. Progestin-Only Contraceptives
3. Postcoital or Emergency Contraceptives
25
1. Combination Oral Contraceptives (COCs)
 COCs are available in many formulations.
Monophasic contains fixed amounts of the estrogen and progestin,
which is taken daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day "pill-free"
period
The biphasic and triphasic preparations provide 2 or 3 different pills
containing varying amounts of active ingredients, to be taken at
different times during the 21-day cycle
 Withdrawal bleeding occurs 2 to 3 days after discontinuation of this
regimen (during the 7-day "off" period each month)
The use of sequential and triphasic oral contraceptives
 Minimizes the overall dose of hormone delivered
 Closely simulate estrogen-to-progestin ratios that occur physiologically
during the menstrual cycle
 The estrogen in most combined preparations is ethinylestradiol
 The progestin may be norethindrone, levonorgestrel, ethynodiol,
desogestrel or gestodene
26
COCs--------
 Levonorgestrel and norethindrone are
the most potent synthetic progestins in
oral contraceptive preparations
E.g. of formulations available:
a) low estrogen, low progesterone
 (0.03mg ethinylestradiol + 0.15 mg
norgestril)
b) Low esterogen, high progestogen
 (0.03 mg ethinylestradiol + 1.5 mg
norethindrone)
c) High estrogen, high progesterone
 (0.05 mg ethinylestradiol + 0.5 mg
norgestril)
27
COCs--------
Their mode of action is as follows:
 Estrogen inhibits secretion of FSH via negative feedback
on the anterior pituitary and thus suppresses
development of the ovarian follicle
 Progestins inhibits secretion of LH and thus prevents
ovulation
 it also makes the cervical mucus less suitable for the
passage of sperm
 Estrogen and progestins act in concert to alter the
endometrium in such a way as to discourage implantation
28
COCs--------
Common adverse effects include:
 Increased incidence of thrombosis and embolism, attributed to
the estrogen component in particular
 Weight gain, owing to fluid retention or an anabolic effect or both
 mild nausea, flushing, dizziness, depression or irritability
 Skin changes (e.g. acne and/or an increase in pigmentation)
 Amenorrhea of variable duration on cessation of taking the pill
Contraindications:
 Oral contraceptives are C/I in the presence of cerebrovascular and
thromboembolic disease, estrogen-dependent neoplasms, liver
disease, and pregnancy
29
2.The progestogen-only contraceptives
("minipills")
• administered orally or by implantation under the skin
• suited for use in patients for whom estrogen administration is undesirable
Specific preparations include
 Low doses of progestins (e.g. 350 mg of norethindrone or 75 mg of
norgestrel) taken po daily without interruption
 Subdermal implants of levonorgestrel 216 mg (Norplant II) for slow
release and resultant long-term contraceptive action (e.g., up to 5 years)
 Crystalline suspensions of medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-
provera®) for IM injection of 150 mg of drug, which provides effective
contraception for 3 months
Side effects
 irregular bleeding episodes, headache, weight gain, and mood changes
30
3. Postcoital or Emergency Contraceptives ("morning after" pill)
 Pregnancy can be prevented following unprotected coitus by the
administration of high dose of estrogens alone or in combination with
progestins
 Plan B is an emergency contraceptive consisting of two tablets of the
progestin levonorgestrel (0.75 mg)
 Preven is two 2 pill doses of a high-dose oral contraceptive (0.25mg of
levonorgestrel and 0.05 mg of ethinyl estradiol per pill) separated by 12 hours
 The first dose of Plan B and Preven should be taken anytime within 72 hours
after intercourse, and this should be followed 12 hours later by a second dose.
 This t/t reduces the risk of px approximately 60% for Preven and 80% for
levonorgestrel alone (Plan B).
31
Postcoital or Emergency Contraceptives ("morning after" pill)…….
 Multiple mechanisms are likely to contribute to the efficacy of
these agents
• Some studies have shown that ovulation is inhibited or
delayed, but additional mechanisms thought to play a role
include:
 alterations in endometrial receptivity for implantation
 interference with functions of the corpus luteum that maintain
pregnancy
 Production of cervical mucus that decreases sperm penetration
Adverse effects
 nausea or vomiting, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness,
irregular bleeding and abdominal and leg cramps

Pharmacology of reproductive system (1).pptx

  • 1.
  • 2.
    2 Learning objective At theend of this chapter the student will be able to:  Recognize drugs used as oxytocic agents  Describe types of sexual hormones, their pharmacologic and physiological effects  Differentiate types of hormonal contraception with their uses and adverse effects including preparations
  • 3.
    3 OXYTOCICS  These aregroup of drugs that cause contraction of the uterus  They include  Oxytocin  Prostaglandins  Ergometrine Oxytocin • Oxytocin is a peptide hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary Actions: 1. Oxytocin stimulates the uterus and cause physiologic type of contraction 2. It also causes ejection of milk through contraction of the myo- epithelial cells around the alveoli of the mammary gland
  • 4.
    4 Pharmacokinetics:  It isinactivated orally and absorbed rapidly after intramuscular administration  It can also be absorbed from the nasal and buccal membranes  Oxytocin is administered intravenously for initiation and augmentation of labor  It also can be administered intramuscularly for control of postpartum bleeding Use:  Induction of labor in women with uterine inertia  relief of breast engorgement during lactation (few minutes before breast feeding) as nasal spray; and,  postpartum hemorrhage
  • 5.
    5 Side effect:  Oxytocinmay cause over stimulation and leads to rupture of the uterus in the presence of cephalo- pelvic disproportion  Therefore it’s contraindicated in woman with a uterine scar  High concentrations can cause excessive fluid retention, or water intoxication, leading to hyponatremia, heart failure, seizures, and death
  • 6.
    6 Prostaglandins  They inducelabor at anytime during pregnancy but are most effective at the third trimester  In female reproductive system:  prostaglandin E & F are found in ovaries, endometrium and menstrual fluid which are responsible for initiating and maintaining the normal birth process  PGF2ά, and PGE stimulate both the tone and amplitude of the uterine contraction
  • 7.
    7  dinoprostone (PGE2)has been used as an alternative to oxytocin for the induction of labor  misoprostol (PGE1)is an effective agent for both cervical ripening and labor induction Adverse reaction:  nausa; vomiting; headache; diarrhea; and, fever etc.  PGs should be used cautiously in the presence of hypo/hypertension, angina, and diabetes  They are contraindicated in the presence of cardiac, pulmonary (PGF2ά,) or hepatic disease
  • 8.
    8 Ergometrine • This isone of the ergot alkaloids which has the ability to cause contraction of the uterine smooth muscle • It causes sustained uterine contraction • It is completely absorbed after subcutaneous, and intravenous administration. • It is metabolized in the liver and eliminated in the urine • Liver damage enhances the toxicity of ergot alkaloid
  • 9.
    9 Use:  After deliveryof placenta if bleeding is severe (prevent postpartum bleeding) Adverse effect: • Nausea and vomiting • hypertension, headache, and possible seizures Contraindications • pregnancy, and a history of a cerebrovascular accident or hypertension
  • 10.
    10 Sexual Hormones  FemaleSex Hormones Estrogens Progestrones • Male Sex Hormones (Reading assignment) Testosterone 5α-dihydrotestosterone
  • 11.
    11 Female Sex Hormones ESTROGENS: canbe classified into: 1. Natural – estradiol, esterone, estriol 2. Synthetic – Ethnylestradiol, mestranol, stilbestrol, diethylstilbestrol, Methallenestril, etc Ovary is the major site of estrogen synthesis in non pregnant & premenopausal women • Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, released from the hypothalamus, acts on the anterior pituitary to release FSH and LH • FSH and LH stimulate follicle development in the ovary  FSH is the main hormone stimulating estrogen release
  • 12.
    12 ESTROGENS…..  In pregnantwomen, the feto-placental unit is the major source of estrogens  Peripheral sites of estrogen synthesis includes: - Liver, kidney, brain, adipose tissue, testis - Accounts for estrogen in postmenopausal women  In postmenopausal women, ovarian steroid synthesis declines and peripheral estrogen biosynthesis accounts for all estrogen produced  both in postmenopausal women and in males  The starting substance for estrogen synthesis is cholesterol  The reaction is catalyzed by a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase enzyme complex (aromatase / CYP19)
  • 13.
    13 Pharmacokinetics  Naturally occurringestrogens: are readily absorbed through the GIT, skin, and mucous membranes Taken orally, estradiol is rapidly metabolized (and partially inactivated) by the liver o Although there is some first-pass metabolism, it is not sufficient to lessen the effectiveness when taken orally  Synthetic estrogen analogs: such as ethinyl estradiol and mestranol, are well absorbed after oral administration or through the skin or mucous membranes  They have a prolonged action and a higher potency compared to those of natural estrogens
  • 14.
    14 MOA & PhysiologicEffects of Estrogen Binding to nuclear receptors and cause subsequent genomic effects-either gene transcription (i.e. DNA- directed RNA and protein synthesis) or gene repression This results in the synthesis of specific proteins that mediate a number of physiologic functions: Physiologic Effects  Stimulate the development of the vagina, uterus, and uterine tubes as well as the secondary sex characteristics  Ovary: estrogen affects the ovary through indirectly influencing the secretion of gonadotrophin  Uterus: it affects the ‘proliferative phase’ of the endometrium and also increases the growth and sensitivity of myometrium for oxytocin
  • 15.
    15 Physiologic Effects ……. When used with progesterone, it causes regular periodic bleeding and shedding of the endometrial lining  Cervix: it makes cervical mucus thin and alkaline  Breast: estrogen causes the growth of gland and duct system  Anterior pituitary: estrogen inhibit release of gonadotropins (FSH, LH) Others  Retention of salt and water & increases Catt bone deposition  Increase blood coagulation They are responsible for estrous behavior in animals and may influence behavior and libido in humans stimulate development of pigmentation in the skin ( nipples and areolae and in the genital region)
  • 16.
    16 Therapeutic use: • Contraceptivein combination with progestogens • Functional uterine bleeding • Dysmenorrhea • Alleviation of menopausal disorder • Osteoporosis • Replacement therapy in ovarian failure • Prevents atrophic vaginitis Side effect:  Thromboembolism, sodium and water retention, withdrawal bleeding, nausea, endometrial carcinoma Contraindication:  History of thromboembolism, indiagnosed uterine bleeding, endometrial carcinoma, liver disease
  • 17.
    17 SELECTIVE ESTROGEN RECEPTORMODULATORS (SERMS) SERMs: Tamoxifen, Raloxifene, and Toremifene  are compounds with tissue-selective actions  These drugs are to produce:  beneficial estrogenic actions in certain tissues (e.g., bone, brain, and liver) during postmenopausal hormone therapy  but antagonist activity in tissues such as breast and endometrium, where estrogenic actions (e.g., carcinogenesis) might be deleterious  Tamoxifen and toremifene are used for treatment of breast cancer  Both approved for t/t of metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women  Raloxifene is used primarily for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
  • 18.
    18 Anti-Estrogens: Clomiphene  Byinterfering with the negative feedback effect of estrogens on the hypothalamus,  clomiphene increases the secretion of gonadotropin- releasing hormone and gonadotropins (FSH & LH), →stimulation of ovulation  The drug has been used successfully to treat infertility associated with anovulatory cycles,  but it is not effective in women with ovulatory dysfunction due to pituitary or ovarian failure Adverse headache, nausea, vasomotor flushes, visual disturbances, and ovarian enlargement
  • 19.
    19 The natural progestationalhormone (progestogen) is progesterone  This is secreted by the corpus luteum in the second part of the menstrual cycle, and by the placenta during pregnancy.  Small amounts are also secreted by testis and adrenal cortex There are two main groups of progestogens  The naturally occurring hormone and its derivatives  e.g. hydroxyprogesterone, medroxyprogesterone  Testosterone derivatives  (e.g. Norethindrone, norgestrel and ethynodiol) can be given orally  Newer progestogens used in contraception include desogestrel and gestodene PROGESTRONES
  • 20.
    20 Pharmacokinetics  Progesterone israpidly absorbed following administration by any route  Its half-life in the plasma is approximately 5 minutes  It is almost completely metabolized in one passage through the liver, and for that reason it is quite ineffective when given orally  Synthetic progestins are less rapidly metabolized  Medroxyprogesterone acetate IM has a duration of action of 3 months  The other progestins last from 1 to 3 days MOA  Progestins enter the cell and bind to progesterone receptors that are distributed between the nucleus and the cytoplasm → activate gene transcription
  • 21.
    21 Physiological and PharmacologicalActions  Ovary: inhibition of ovulation  has negative feedback effects on both hypothalamus and anterior pituitary  Uterus: decrease estrogen-driven endometrial proliferation and leads to the development of a secretory endometrium  and makes the myometrum less sensitive to oxytocin  Cervix- cause the endocervical glands secrete a scant viscid (thick) mucus  progesterone, acting with estrogen, brings about a proliferation of the acini(clusters) of the mammary gland  Progesterone suppresses menstruation and uterine contractility
  • 22.
    22 Physiological and PharmacologicalActions….  Progesterone has depressant and hypnotic effects on the brain  Metabolic actions:  Thermogenic action, inhibits sodium reabsorption Therapeutic use:  Hormonal contraception  Combined with estrogen for estrogen replacement therapy in women with an intact uterus, to prevent endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma  Premenustral tension unwanted effects acne, fluid retention, weight change, depression, change in libido, breast discomfort, irregular menstrual cycles and breakthrough bleeding, thromboembolism
  • 23.
    23 ANTIPROGESTOGENS Mifepristone  is apartial agonist at progesterone receptors  It sensitizes the uterus to the action of prostaglandins  It is given orally and has a plasma half-life of 21 hours  Mifepristone is used, in combination with a prostaglandin (e.g. gemeprost (PGE1)), as a medical alternative to surgical termination of pregnancy
  • 24.
    24 ORAL CONTRACEPTIVEs  Theseare drugs taken orally to prevent conception Types of hormonal contraceptives include: 1. Combination Oral Contraceptives (combinations of estrogens and progestins) a. monophasic forms (constant dosage of both components during the cycle) b. biphasic or triphasic forms (dosage of one or both components is changed once or twice during the cycle) 2. Progestin-Only Contraceptives 3. Postcoital or Emergency Contraceptives
  • 25.
    25 1. Combination OralContraceptives (COCs)  COCs are available in many formulations. Monophasic contains fixed amounts of the estrogen and progestin, which is taken daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day "pill-free" period The biphasic and triphasic preparations provide 2 or 3 different pills containing varying amounts of active ingredients, to be taken at different times during the 21-day cycle  Withdrawal bleeding occurs 2 to 3 days after discontinuation of this regimen (during the 7-day "off" period each month) The use of sequential and triphasic oral contraceptives  Minimizes the overall dose of hormone delivered  Closely simulate estrogen-to-progestin ratios that occur physiologically during the menstrual cycle  The estrogen in most combined preparations is ethinylestradiol  The progestin may be norethindrone, levonorgestrel, ethynodiol, desogestrel or gestodene
  • 26.
    26 COCs--------  Levonorgestrel andnorethindrone are the most potent synthetic progestins in oral contraceptive preparations E.g. of formulations available: a) low estrogen, low progesterone  (0.03mg ethinylestradiol + 0.15 mg norgestril) b) Low esterogen, high progestogen  (0.03 mg ethinylestradiol + 1.5 mg norethindrone) c) High estrogen, high progesterone  (0.05 mg ethinylestradiol + 0.5 mg norgestril)
  • 27.
    27 COCs-------- Their mode ofaction is as follows:  Estrogen inhibits secretion of FSH via negative feedback on the anterior pituitary and thus suppresses development of the ovarian follicle  Progestins inhibits secretion of LH and thus prevents ovulation  it also makes the cervical mucus less suitable for the passage of sperm  Estrogen and progestins act in concert to alter the endometrium in such a way as to discourage implantation
  • 28.
    28 COCs-------- Common adverse effectsinclude:  Increased incidence of thrombosis and embolism, attributed to the estrogen component in particular  Weight gain, owing to fluid retention or an anabolic effect or both  mild nausea, flushing, dizziness, depression or irritability  Skin changes (e.g. acne and/or an increase in pigmentation)  Amenorrhea of variable duration on cessation of taking the pill Contraindications:  Oral contraceptives are C/I in the presence of cerebrovascular and thromboembolic disease, estrogen-dependent neoplasms, liver disease, and pregnancy
  • 29.
    29 2.The progestogen-only contraceptives ("minipills") •administered orally or by implantation under the skin • suited for use in patients for whom estrogen administration is undesirable Specific preparations include  Low doses of progestins (e.g. 350 mg of norethindrone or 75 mg of norgestrel) taken po daily without interruption  Subdermal implants of levonorgestrel 216 mg (Norplant II) for slow release and resultant long-term contraceptive action (e.g., up to 5 years)  Crystalline suspensions of medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo- provera®) for IM injection of 150 mg of drug, which provides effective contraception for 3 months Side effects  irregular bleeding episodes, headache, weight gain, and mood changes
  • 30.
    30 3. Postcoital orEmergency Contraceptives ("morning after" pill)  Pregnancy can be prevented following unprotected coitus by the administration of high dose of estrogens alone or in combination with progestins  Plan B is an emergency contraceptive consisting of two tablets of the progestin levonorgestrel (0.75 mg)  Preven is two 2 pill doses of a high-dose oral contraceptive (0.25mg of levonorgestrel and 0.05 mg of ethinyl estradiol per pill) separated by 12 hours  The first dose of Plan B and Preven should be taken anytime within 72 hours after intercourse, and this should be followed 12 hours later by a second dose.  This t/t reduces the risk of px approximately 60% for Preven and 80% for levonorgestrel alone (Plan B).
  • 31.
    31 Postcoital or EmergencyContraceptives ("morning after" pill)…….  Multiple mechanisms are likely to contribute to the efficacy of these agents • Some studies have shown that ovulation is inhibited or delayed, but additional mechanisms thought to play a role include:  alterations in endometrial receptivity for implantation  interference with functions of the corpus luteum that maintain pregnancy  Production of cervical mucus that decreases sperm penetration Adverse effects  nausea or vomiting, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding and abdominal and leg cramps