Levonorgestrel vs Fluconazole: side-by-side comparison
Levonorgestrel (Synthetic progestin (emergency contraception)) and Fluconazole (Triazole antifungal) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely substitutes for each other. The comparison is useful when a single patient is weighing both options for adjacent or overlapping needs.
| Property | Levonorgestrel | Fluconazole |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Synthetic progestin (emergency contraception) | Triazole antifungal |
| CAS | 797-63-7 | 86386-73-4 |
| ATC | G03AC03 | J02AC01 |
| Molecular weight | 312.5 g/mol | 306.27 g/mol |
| Brands with this active ingredient | 1 | 1 |
What they share
Levonorgestrel and Fluconazole share the common regulatory framework for prescription active ingredients, bioequivalence standards for generics, and pharmacist oversight. Beyond that, points in common are limited.
Key differences
Levonorgestrel acts by a different mechanism than Fluconazole, with indications that barely overlap. Comparing the two is useful when a clinician has mentioned both in the same context or the patient wants to understand why one was prescribed instead of the other.
Mechanisms compared
Levonorgestrel: In emergency contraception, levonorgestrel works primarily by delaying or inhibiting ovulation when taken before the LH surge. Fluconazole: Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal that inhibits the cytochrome P450-dependent enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, blocking the synthesis of ergosterol from lanosterol.
Indications compared
Levonorgestrel: Levonorgestrel is approved for emergency contraception (single 1.5mg dose), regular oral contraception (combined with ethinylestradiol or as progestin-only), and as the active component of hormonal intrauterine devices f… Fluconazole: Fluconazole is approved in adults and children for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis, oropharyngeal and oesophageal candidiasis, urinary tract candidiasis, peritonitis and other invasive candidiasis caused by sus…
Safety profile
Levonorgestrel: Common adverse effects of emergency contraceptive use include nausea, headache, fatigue, dizziness, breast tenderness and menstrual cycle changes. Fluconazole: Common adverse effects include headache, nausea and abdominal pain.
Frequently asked questions
Is Levonorgestrel better than Fluconazole? ▾
Levonorgestrel and Fluconazole are not "better or worse" — they treat different things. The sensible question is which fits your specific need.
Can Levonorgestrel and Fluconazole be combined? ▾
Whether they can be combined depends on the indications and the interaction profile of each. If both are in a single prescription, the prescriber has weighed it; in self-medication they should never be combined.
Do they have the same side-effect profile? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each has its own prescribing information.
Products with Levonorgestrel
Products with Fluconazole
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.