CONTRACEPTIVES, VAGINAL (Spermicides)

Brand & Generic Names

BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE	NONOXYNAL 9
Because	OCTOXYNOL 9
Conceptrol-Contraceptive	Ortho-Creme
Inserts	Ortho-Gynol
Conceptrol Gel	Pharmatex
Delfen	Pre-Fil
Emko	Ramses Contraceptive Foam
Encare	Ramses Contraceptive
Gynol II Extra Strength	Vaginal Jelly
Gynol II Original Formula	Ramses Crystal Clear Gel
Intercept	Semicid
Koromex Cream	Shur-Seal
Koromex Crystal Gel	Today
Koromex Foam	VCF
Koromex Jelly

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Not for most
• Available as generic? Most aren't
• Drug class: Contraceptive (vaginal)

Uses

• Provides a degree of protection against pregnancy.
• Protects against some sexually transmitted diseases, such as those caused by chlamydia, gardnerella, mycoplasma, neisseria, trichomonas, ureaplasma and possibly herpes virus.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Read package insert carefully. Some cautions to remember:
Do not douche for 6 to 8 hours after intercourse.
Do not remove sponge, cervical cap or diaphragm for 6 to 8 hours after intercourse.
Follow product label instructions for storage.

When to take:
Consistently with every sexual exposure.

If you forget to use:
Contact your doctor to consider using another form of pregnancy protection, such as the "morning-after" pill.

What drug does:
Forms a chemical barrier between sperm in semen and the mucous membranes in the vagina. The chemical acts to inactivate viable sperm and also kills some bacteria, viruses, yeast and fungus.

Time lapse before vaginal contraceptive works:
Immediate for foam, gels, jellies and sponges.
5 to 15 minutes for film and suppositories.

Don't use with:
Not applicable.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected.

WHAT TO DO:

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Toxic shock syndrome Seek emergency treatment (chills; fever; skin rash; immediately. muscle aches; extreme weakness; confusion; redness of vagina, inside of mouth, nose, throat or eyes). (Very rare.)

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

None expected.

Rare:

Vaginal discharge, irritation or rash; painful urination; cloudy or bloody urine.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to any form of octoxynol, nonoxynol or benzalkonium chloride.

Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you desire complete protection against pregnancy, a combination of methods gives better protection than vaginal contraceptives alone.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
No special problems expected. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Safety not established. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Not recommended.

Prolonged use:
Allergic reactions and irritation more likely.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No special problems expected.

Discontinuing:
No special problems expected.

Others:

• Failure rate when used alone is relatively high. Therefore a vaginal cream, sponge, suppository, foam, gel, jelly or other product should be used with a mechanical barrier, such as a condom, cervical cap, vaginal diaphragm or other form of pregnancy protection.
• Don't use a cervical cap, sponge or diaphragm during menstruation. Consider using a condom instead if additional protection is desired.
• Vaginal contraceptives usually also have spermicidal effects and may partially protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Topical vaginal	Spermicidal activity may be reduced
medications that include	or negated. Avoid combinations.
Vaginal douche products	May prevent spermicidal effect.
	Avoid until 8 hours following
	intercourse.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.