| drug name | Levonorgestrel (Plan B) |
| classification | Emergency Contraceptive |
| pharmacokinetics | Levonorgestrel is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are achieved within 1-3 hours. Primarily metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine. The half-life is relatively short, approximately 30 hours. Individual variations in metabolism and absorption can affect efficacy. |
| suggested dosage | Single dose of 1.5 mg levonorgestrel. Refer to product packaging for precise instructions. |
| indications | Emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy following unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. |
| safety in pregnancy | Not associated with known teratogenic effects in pregnancy. However, not recommended for routine use in pregnancy, and not appropriate for pregnancy termination. Use strictly limited to emergency contraception. |
| safety in breastfeeding | Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding; unlikely to cause significant adverse effects on the infant. |
| side effects | | 1 | Nausea | | 2 | Vomiting | | 3 | Abdominal pain | | 4 | Headache | | 5 | Fatigue | | 6 | Breast tenderness | | 7 | Menstrual irregularities (e.g., delayed or heavier periods) | | 8 | Possible spotting or bleeding between periods (in the days following) |
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| alternatives | | 1 | | alternative drug | Ulipristal acetate | | notes | Another emergency contraceptive, effective up to 120 hours after unprotected sex. Generally considered more effective than levonorgestrel in some cases, but potential side effect profile may differ. |
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| contraindications | | 1 | Known hypersensitivity to levonorgestrel or other formulation components | | 2 | Significant liver disease |
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| interactions | Limited interactions reported. Potential interactions with other medications are complex and should be reviewed with a healthcare professional. |
| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Consult a healthcare professional if vomiting occurs within 2 hours of ingestion, as it may reduce efficacy. | | 2 | Irregular bleeding or spotting may occur in the days or weeks following use; consult a doctor if concerns persist. | | 3 | Emergency contraception is not 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. | | 4 | Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). |
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| additional information | | 1 | Generally safe for healthy adults under 25, primarily for emergency contraception. Discuss any concerns or pre-existing conditions with a medical professional. | | 2 | Consult a physician if you have questions or experience side effects. | | 3 | Effectiveness decreases with time after unprotected intercourse. |
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| patient specific details | | age | 25 | | weight | 70 | | notes | This information is for general knowledge only, not specific medical advice. Always consult a physician for personalized recommendations. |
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| disclaimer | This information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. |
