From the Research
Norgestrel, unlike progesterone, cannot be effectively absorbed sublingually and requires gut metabolism for proper absorption and activation. Norgestrel is a synthetic progestin that needs to undergo first-pass metabolism in the liver to become fully active in the body. This is why norgestrel is typically administered orally in tablet form, allowing it to be processed through the digestive system and liver. In contrast, progesterone can be administered sublingually because it can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes under the tongue, bypassing the digestive system. The molecular structure of norgestrel makes it less suitable for sublingual administration due to its poor solubility in the mucous environment and its dependence on liver enzymes for conversion to active metabolites.
Some key points to consider when administering norgestrel include:
- The standard method of administration is oral, in tablet form, to ensure proper drug metabolism and therapeutic effectiveness 1
- Norgestrel has been shown to be highly effective in clinical use, with similar estimates of failure in breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women 2
- The drug has also been found to have neuroprotective properties, particularly in the treatment of retinal disease 3
- Comparison studies with other progestins, such as norgestimate, have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of norgestrel in combination with ethinyl estradiol 4
For patients requiring norgestrel, the oral route remains the standard method of administration to ensure proper drug metabolism and therapeutic effectiveness. This is supported by the most recent and highest quality study available, which highlights the importance of proper administration to achieve optimal outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life 1.