Nonoxynol-9 is a compound that has been used in various personal care products, including spermicidal contraceptives such as condoms, spermicidal lubricants, and foams. It's an ingredient in many over-the-counter contraceptive products and is used to immobilize sperm, thereby reducing the risk of pregnancy.

Nonoxynol-9 works by disrupting the sperm cell membrane, which renders the sperm ineffective in fertilizing an egg. However, it's worth noting that Nonoxynol-9 does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like condoms do. In fact, some studies have suggested that frequent use of Nonoxynol-9 may increase the risk of certain STIs, such as HIV, by irritating the vaginal or rectal lining and potentially creating tiny abrasions through which viruses can enter.

Nonoxynol 9 is a surfactant and is present in most cosmetic formulations. It is commonly used as a spermicidal agent when used intravaginally. Thus, it is used as a locally acting non-hormonal contraceptive agent.

Nonoxynol 9 Uses:

• Contraception:
  • Prevention of pregnancy

Nonoxynol 9 Dose in Adults

Nonoxynol 9 use for Contraception in Females:

Nonoxynol 9 is used to prevent pregnancy. For females, it's inserted into the vagina before sex. Here's how to use it:

Encare 100 mg:

• Insert 1 suppository into the vagina at least 10 minutes before sex. It works for 1 hour.

Conceptrol gel 4%:

• Insert 1 applicatorful (100 mg) into the vagina right before sex. It's effective for 1 hour.

Gynol II gel 3%:

• Insert 1 applicatorful (150 mg) into the vagina right before sex.
• It's effective for 1 hour. If using with a diaphragm, spread gel on the diaphragm before insertion.
• If sex happens more than 6 hours later or multiple times, apply more gel without removing the diaphragm.

Today sponge:

• Insert 1 sponge (1,000 mg) into the vagina before sex.
• Leave it in for 6 hours after sex but no more than 24 hours in total.

VCF (Vaginal Contraceptive Film): Film 28%:

• Insert 1 film into the vagina at least 15 minutes but no more than 3 hours before sex.
• Use a new film for each sex act or if more than 3 hours pass.
• Foam 12.5%: Insert 1 applicatorful no more than 1 hour before sex. It's effective for up to 1 hour.

Nonoxynol 9 Dose in Children

Nonoxynol 9 Dose use for Contraception:

• For adolescents, the dosing of Nonoxynol-9 for contraception is the same as for adults. However, it's important to note that it should not be used before the start of menstruation (menarche).

Pregnancy Implications:

• The use of spermicides like Nonoxynol-9 hasn't been linked to birth defects according to the FDA.
• These products are similar in how well they prevent pregnancy.
• However, the chance of unintended pregnancy is generally higher with them compared to other methods of birth control.
• Many can be used along with a diaphragm or a male condom.
• It's recommended to consistently and correctly use male latex condoms to lower the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV transmission, while also providing extra pregnancy prevention.
• But for some women with certain health conditions, like those where pregnancy would be very risky, these barrier methods might not be the best choice because they have a higher chance of failure if not used perfectly.

Dose in Kidney Disease:

• The manufacturer's instructions do not mention any changes in dosage for people with kidney problems.
• For women with certain health issues where getting pregnant would be very risky, barrier contraceptives might not be the best option because they have a higher chance of not working if not used perfectly.
• This information is important to consider when choosing a method of birth control.

Dose in Liver Disease:

• The manufacturer's instructions don't mention any changes in dosage for people with liver problems.
• It's also worth noting that barrier contraceptives might not be the best choice for women with certain health conditions where the risk of pregnancy is too high because they have a higher chance of not working if not used perfectly.
• This is important information to consider when selecting a method of birth control.

Side effects of Nonoxynol 9:

• Genitourinary:
  • Mucous membrane disease (burning, irritation, pruritus; including vaginal/urethral)

Contraindications to Nonoxynol 9:

• When using this product without a prescription, do not use it if you or your partner has HIV/AIDS.
• Specifically for "Today" products, avoid use if you're allergic to nonoxynol 9 or any ingredient in it, allergic to sulfites, within 6 weeks after giving birth, have a history of toxic shock syndrome, or during your menstrual period.
• These precautions are important to ensure safe and effective use of the product.

Warnings and Precautions

Toxic shock syndrome:

• Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) has been reported in some cases where barrier contraceptives have been used.
• TSS is a rare but serious condition caused by toxins released by certain types of bacteria.
• It can lead to symptoms such as high fever, rash, low blood pressure, and organ failure.
• While the risk of TSS with barrier contraceptives is low, it's essential to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention if they occur, especially if you're using these contraceptives.

Vaginal irritation:

• Using products containing Nonoxynol-9 may lead to vaginal irritation, which can manifest as burning, itching, or a rash.
• Sometimes, irritation can occur without obvious symptoms.
• It's important to note that this irritation could potentially increase the risk of contracting HIV from an infected partner.
• Therefore, individuals using such products should be aware of this possibility and monitor for any signs of irritation, discontinuing use if symptoms occur or worsen.

Monitoring parameters:

None mentioned.

How to administer Nonoxynol 9?

Intravaginal Use:

• Only for use in the vagina; not for use in the rectum.
• Today Sponge:
  • Before using, wet the sponge with clean water and squeeze gently to activate the spermicide.
  • Fold the sponge in half with the dimple side inside and the string loop at the bottom, then insert it into the vagina.
  • It can be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse.
  • If the sponge falls out accidentally, do not reuse it; insert a new one.
  • Do not reuse the sponge.
• VCF (Vaginal Contraceptive Film):
  • Film: Make sure fingers are dry before touching the film.
  • Remove the film from the pouch and fold it in half, then insert it into the vagina using a finger.
  • Foam:
  • Shake the container well before use.

Mechanism of action of Nonoxynol 9:

• Nonoxynol-9 is a type of substance called a nonionic surfactant.
• It works to prevent pregnancy by damaging the outer membrane of sperm cells, making them unable to fertilize an egg.
• Additionally, some products containing Nonoxynol-9 may also act as a physical barrier, further preventing sperm from reaching an egg.

International Brands of Nonoxynol 9:

• Options Conceptrol
• Options Gynol II Contraceptive
• Shur-Seal Contraceptive
• Today Sponge
• VCF Vaginal Contraceptive
• Delfen
• Delfen Foam
• Delfen II
• Gynol-Plus
• No Gravida
• Nowon Vaginal Supp.
• Ortho-Creme
• Sendocin 9
• Suposin
• Tonight

Nonoxynol 9 Brand Names in Pakistan:

No Brands Available in Pakistan.

Nonoxynol-9 is a compound that has been used in various personal care products, including spermicidal contraceptives such as condoms, spermicidal lubricants, and foams. It's an ingredient in many over-the-counter contraceptive products and is used to immobilize sperm, thereby reducing the risk of pregnancy.

Nonoxynol-9 works by disrupting the sperm cell membrane, which renders the sperm ineffective in fertilizing an egg. However, it's worth noting that Nonoxynol-9 does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like condoms do. In fact, some studies have suggested that frequent use of Nonoxynol-9 may increase the risk of certain STIs, such as HIV, by irritating the vaginal or rectal lining and potentially creating tiny abrasions through which viruses can enter.

Nonoxynol 9 is a surfactant and is present in most cosmetic formulations. It is commonly used as a spermicidal agent when used intravaginally. Thus, it is used as a locally acting non-hormonal contraceptive agent.

Nonoxynol 9 Uses:

• Contraception:
  • Prevention of pregnancy

Nonoxynol 9 Dose in Adults

Nonoxynol 9 use for Contraception in Females:

Nonoxynol 9 is used to prevent pregnancy. For females, it's inserted into the vagina before sex. Here's how to use it:

Encare 100 mg:

• Insert 1 suppository into the vagina at least 10 minutes before sex. It works for 1 hour.

Conceptrol gel 4%:

• Insert 1 applicatorful (100 mg) into the vagina right before sex. It's effective for 1 hour.

Gynol II gel 3%:

• Insert 1 applicatorful (150 mg) into the vagina right before sex.
• It's effective for 1 hour. If using with a diaphragm, spread gel on the diaphragm before insertion.
• If sex happens more than 6 hours later or multiple times, apply more gel without removing the diaphragm.

Today sponge:

• Insert 1 sponge (1,000 mg) into the vagina before sex.
• Leave it in for 6 hours after sex but no more than 24 hours in total.

VCF (Vaginal Contraceptive Film): Film 28%:

• Insert 1 film into the vagina at least 15 minutes but no more than 3 hours before sex.
• Use a new film for each sex act or if more than 3 hours pass.
• Foam 12.5%: Insert 1 applicatorful no more than 1 hour before sex. It's effective for up to 1 hour.

Nonoxynol 9 Dose in Children

Nonoxynol 9 Dose use for Contraception:

• For adolescents, the dosing of Nonoxynol-9 for contraception is the same as for adults. However, it's important to note that it should not be used before the start of menstruation (menarche).

Pregnancy Implications:

• The use of spermicides like Nonoxynol-9 hasn't been linked to birth defects according to the FDA.
• These products are similar in how well they prevent pregnancy.
• However, the chance of unintended pregnancy is generally higher with them compared to other methods of birth control.
• Many can be used along with a diaphragm or a male condom.
• It's recommended to consistently and correctly use male latex condoms to lower the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV transmission, while also providing extra pregnancy prevention.
• But for some women with certain health conditions, like those where pregnancy would be very risky, these barrier methods might not be the best choice because they have a higher chance of failure if not used perfectly.

Dose in Kidney Disease:

• The manufacturer's instructions do not mention any changes in dosage for people with kidney problems.
• For women with certain health issues where getting pregnant would be very risky, barrier contraceptives might not be the best option because they have a higher chance of not working if not used perfectly.
• This information is important to consider when choosing a method of birth control.

Dose in Liver Disease:

• The manufacturer's instructions don't mention any changes in dosage for people with liver problems.
• It's also worth noting that barrier contraceptives might not be the best choice for women with certain health conditions where the risk of pregnancy is too high because they have a higher chance of not working if not used perfectly.
• This is important information to consider when selecting a method of birth control.

Side effects of Nonoxynol 9:

• Genitourinary:
  • Mucous membrane disease (burning, irritation, pruritus; including vaginal/urethral)

Contraindications to Nonoxynol 9:

• When using this product without a prescription, do not use it if you or your partner has HIV/AIDS.
• Specifically for "Today" products, avoid use if you're allergic to nonoxynol 9 or any ingredient in it, allergic to sulfites, within 6 weeks after giving birth, have a history of toxic shock syndrome, or during your menstrual period.
• These precautions are important to ensure safe and effective use of the product.

Warnings and Precautions

Toxic shock syndrome:

• Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) has been reported in some cases where barrier contraceptives have been used.
• TSS is a rare but serious condition caused by toxins released by certain types of bacteria.
• It can lead to symptoms such as high fever, rash, low blood pressure, and organ failure.
• While the risk of TSS with barrier contraceptives is low, it's essential to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention if they occur, especially if you're using these contraceptives.

Vaginal irritation:

• Using products containing Nonoxynol-9 may lead to vaginal irritation, which can manifest as burning, itching, or a rash.
• Sometimes, irritation can occur without obvious symptoms.
• It's important to note that this irritation could potentially increase the risk of contracting HIV from an infected partner.
• Therefore, individuals using such products should be aware of this possibility and monitor for any signs of irritation, discontinuing use if symptoms occur or worsen.

Monitoring parameters:

None mentioned.

How to administer Nonoxynol 9?

Intravaginal Use:

• Only for use in the vagina; not for use in the rectum.
• Today Sponge:
  • Before using, wet the sponge with clean water and squeeze gently to activate the spermicide.
  • Fold the sponge in half with the dimple side inside and the string loop at the bottom, then insert it into the vagina.
  • It can be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse.
  • If the sponge falls out accidentally, do not reuse it; insert a new one.
  • Do not reuse the sponge.
• VCF (Vaginal Contraceptive Film):
  • Film: Make sure fingers are dry before touching the film.
  • Remove the film from the pouch and fold it in half, then insert it into the vagina using a finger.
  • Foam:
  • Shake the container well before use.

Mechanism of action of Nonoxynol 9:

• Nonoxynol-9 is a type of substance called a nonionic surfactant.
• It works to prevent pregnancy by damaging the outer membrane of sperm cells, making them unable to fertilize an egg.
• Additionally, some products containing Nonoxynol-9 may also act as a physical barrier, further preventing sperm from reaching an egg.

International Brands of Nonoxynol 9:

• Options Conceptrol
• Options Gynol II Contraceptive
• Shur-Seal Contraceptive
• Today Sponge
• VCF Vaginal Contraceptive
• Delfen
• Delfen Foam
• Delfen II
• Gynol-Plus
• No Gravida
• Nowon Vaginal Supp.
• Ortho-Creme
• Sendocin 9
• Suposin
• Tonight

Nonoxynol 9 Brand Names in Pakistan:

No Brands Available in Pakistan.