Pharmacokinetics of norethisterone and levonorgestrel in experimental iron deficiency anemia in rabbits.

Mild-moderate anemia (hemoglobin, 10-12 g/100 ml) was induced in eight female rabbits by feeding a purified diet with low iron content over a period of 4 months and it could be maintained for a further period of 7 months. Nine control animals received the same diet supplemented with iron. Pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered contraceptive steriods, norethindrone and levonorgestrel, were determined in both control and anemic rabbits at the end of 150 and 171 days, respectively. No significant alterations were observed in the disposition of these steroids in deficient rabbits as compared to controls, indicating that mild-moderate forms of iron deficiency anemia may not influence the metabolic handling of either norethindrone or levonogestrel.