[Effect of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol and their combination on biotransformation reactions]. / Zum Einfluss von Levonorgestrel und Ethinylestradiol sowie deren Kombination auf die Aktivität von Biotransformationsreaktionen.

Caffeine is mainly metabolized by 3-methylcholanthreneinducible cytochrome P-450, whereas metamizol (Analgin) is probably mainly metabolized by the phenobarbital inducible cytochrome P-450 family. Therefore the elimination of caffeine from serum and the elimination of the main metabolites of metamizol in urine reflect the activity of these two cytochrome P-450 families. Sex hormones can influence the activity of cytochrome P-450. Intake of levonorgestrel (0.125 mg) daily for 14 days reduced the metabolism of caffeine slightly, but the elimination of metamizol-metabolites is not influenced. Longterm administration of levonorgestrel (0.250 mg daily) for three months did not change the metabolisms of both model substances tested. In contrast, ethynylestradiol (0.050 mg) alone and also the combination with levonorgestrel markedly retarded the elimination rate of caffeine and metamizol-metabolites. This fact should be taken into consideration in drug therapy.

[Elimination of caffeine and metamizole in the menstrual cycle of the fertile female]. / Untersuchungen zur Elimination von Coffein und Metamizol im Menstruationszyklus der fertilen Frau.

The elimination of caffeine from serum and that of the main metabolites of metamizol in serum were investigated in 9 healthy women on days 1, 8, 14 and 21 of the menstrual cycle. In the luteal phase, when the progesterone level is highest and the estradiol concentration is high as well, the elimination of caffeine is about 25% longer than in the follicular phase. In contrast to caffeine, the metabolism of metamizol is slightly accelerated if the endogenous hormone level is high. The present results suggest that endogenous hormones have different effects on biotransformation activities. These results are without practical consequences yet.