nonoxynol-9 vaginal

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

To stop sperm from behaving properly, the mode of action requires rupturing their cell membranes. 

A variety of sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) including HIV, herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia and gonorrhoea are susceptible to nonoxynol-9’s broad spectrum of activity. It functions by weakening these pathogens cell membranes, which results in their demise or inactivation. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Irritation of vagina or penis 

Burn, itching, rash  

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

The U.S. Food and medication Administration (FDA) has issued a black box warning for the vaginal medication nonoxynol-9 due to its propensity to irritate and harm the vaginal lining. Repeated use of nonoxynol-9, according to the warning, may increase the risk of vaginal irritation, which may raise the chance of HIV infection in women who are already at high risk for the disease. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• For people who have a known intolerance to or allergy to nonoxynol-9 or any other ingredient in the product, nonoxynol-9 vaginal medication is contraindicated.  
• using it while pregnant or if you’re under the age of 18 is not advised. 

Caution: 

• When used by those with a history of urinary tract infections (UTIs), vaginal discomfort, or inflammation, nonoxynol-9 should be used with caution.  
• It should not be used more frequently or in bigger doses than what is advised on the label because doing so could raise the risk of irritation and vaginal lining damage. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

A vaginal medication called nonoxynol-9 is a member of the nonionic surfactant family. Sperm and other pathogens’ cell membranes are damaged, which causes them to die or become inactive. 

The sperm’s lipid membrane is solubilized by nonoxynol-9, which causes intracellular contents to leak out and eventually results in sperm death. 

Pharmacodynamics 

The pharmacodynamics of the vaginal medication nonoxynol-9 includes how it affects sperm. 

nonoxynol-9’s effectiveness as a spermicide depends on the drug’s concentration and the length of exposure. In vitro tests have demonstrated the capability of nonoxynol-9 to effectively destroy sperm at doses of 2% or higher. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

Following topical application, nonoxynol-9 is absorbed through the vaginal mucosa. The pH of the vaginal fluid, the presence of other vaginal fluids, and the drug concentration can all have an impact on how quickly the drug is absorbed. 

Distribution 

nonoxynol-9 is dispersed throughout the vaginal tissue and has a modest potential for systemic absorption. It is unknown how far the distribution extends beyond the vaginal tissue. 

Metabolism 

Rapid metabolism of nonoxynol-9 occurs in the liver and other organs. It experiences esterase hydrolysis, which produces fatty alcohol and nonoxynol. Further metabolism of nonoxynol results in fatty acids and glycerol, which are eliminated in the urine. 

Elimination and excretion 

Within 24 hours of application, the majority of nonoxynol-9 and its metabolites are eliminated in the urine. Sweat, breast milk, and feces may all contain trace amounts of the medication. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

nonoxynol-9 vaginal medication is often applied topically, either as a cream, gel or foam. It is typically administered with an applicator or by hand right before engaging in sexual activity. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: nonoxynol-9 vaginal 

Why do we use nonoxynol-9 vaginal? 

The primary application of nonoxynol-9 as a vaginal medication is as a spermicide, which implies that it prevents conception by destroying or immobilising sperm.