Plasma levels of norethidrone in Indian women receiving norethidrone enanthate (20 mg) injectable.

Plasma norethindrone (NET) and progesterone were estimated by radioimmunoassay in seven Indian women after intramuscular administration of 20 mg NET enanthate. One subject had intermenstrual bleeding throughout the cycle. Out of the six subjects considered for analysis, three subjects showed ovulation suppression, two had delayed ovulation and the remaining one exhibited normal ovulatory pattern. Post-peak average plasma NET values ranged from 1.0 to 2.1 ng/ml. These values showed a significant positive correlation with the anthropometric indices such as body weight and mid-arm-circumference. The subjects with lower anthropometry showed exponential decline of plasma NET. A possible role for nutritional status of an individual in drug disposition is indicated from this study.