Pharmatex

A non-hormonal local contraceptive that damages the cell membranes of spermatozoa and deprives them of the ability to fertilize, and also has antiseptic properties. The active ingredient of the drug is benzalkonium chloride.

[ 1 ]

Indications Pharmatexa

The drug is recommended for use to prevent unwanted pregnancy in cases where it is impossible or inappropriate to use more effective contraceptives: irregular sexual life, in the postpartum period, during breastfeeding, after abortions, in late fertile age, before the onset of menopause.

Pharmatex can be used in combination with other contraceptives to provide more effective protection and reduce the risk of infection during sexual intercourse: with an IUD, condom, cervical cap, diaphragm, hormonal contraceptive pills, including cases of violation of the term of their use.

[ 2 ]

Release form

Contraceptives for intravaginal administration are available in the following forms:

• tablets (12 pieces) – 20 mg of active ingredient;
• suppositories (10 pieces) and capsules (6 pieces) – 18.9 mg each;
• tampons (2 pieces) – 60 mg each;
• cream in a tube with an applicator-dispenser – 72g (designed for 30 applications).

Pharmacodynamics

The active component of the contraceptive (Benzalkonium chloride) has a spermicidal effect by damaging the cell membranes of spermatozoa, which deprives them of the ability to fertilize the egg. The death of spermatozoa upon contact with the active component occurs within 20 seconds. One unit of any form of contraceptive (except tampons) or one application of cream assumes neutralization of spermatozoa, on average, contained in one ejaculate. Each repeated sexual act requires an additional dose of contraceptive.

In addition, during laboratory tests, gonococci, chlamydia, trichomonas, genital herpes viruses and Staphylococcus aureus were found to be sensitive to benzalkonium chloride. Mycoplasma is resistant to it, and the active substance is insignificantly active against Candida yeast fungi, gardnerella, and pale treponema.

Under natural conditions, the antimicrobial activity of Pharmatex is somewhat reduced, however, when used simultaneously with a condom, the probability of infection during sexual intercourse is practically absent.

The contraceptive does not affect the vaginal biocenosis or the duration of the menstrual cycle.

[ 3 ]

Pharmacokinetics

The active ingredient is not absorbed by the vaginal epithelium and is washed off with clean water and physiological secretions from the vagina.

Dosing and administration

It should be noted that after contact with sperm, the administered dose of the drug (except for a tampon) loses its activity, so before repeated sexual intercourse it is necessary to administer a new dose.

The tablets are placed in the vagina, after being dipped in clean water. The drug in tablet form, inserted into the vagina, remains suitable for contraception for 3 hours; at least 10 minutes must pass from the moment of insertion until the substance begins to act.

Suppositories are removed from the shell with clean hands and inserted into the vagina, preferably in a supine position. The preparation in the form of suppositories inserted into the vagina remains suitable for contraception for 4 hours; at least 5 minutes must pass from the moment of insertion until the substance begins to act.

Capsules administered intravaginally begin to act after ten minutes, the period of activity lasts four hours.

The cream, when inserted using the dispenser-applicator, acts immediately, its spermicidal effect lasts up to ten hours. The best position for intravaginal insertion of the cream is lying on your back.
The tampon, removed from the shell, is inserted deep (until it touches the cervix) into the vagina with clean fingers. The spermicidal effect of this form is immediate, sufficient for three sexual intercourses and lasts for 24 hours. After this period, the tampon must be removed (the preferred body position for this is squatting). Immersion in water (bath, pool, open water) reduces the spermicidal activity of the tampon.

Use Pharmatexa during pregnancy

During clinical trials, when using a local contraceptive at the beginning of pregnancy, its teratogenic properties were not revealed; further use of Pharmatex is not advisable.

During lactation, it is permitted to use contraception with this drug, since only a negligible amount of the active substance can penetrate into breast milk.

Contraindications

Sensitization to contraceptive components, damage to the integrity of the mucous membrane of the external genitalia, vagina, cervix and vulva (wounds, ruptures, cracks, ulcers) of any origin.

When carrying out local therapy using medicinal and herbal preparations, it is not recommended to use Pharmatex for contraception, since the spermicidal activity of the active substance may be reduced.

Side effects Pharmatexa

The probability of undesirable effects is negligible, since there is no systemic effect on the body. Local allergic reactions (itching, irritation) are possible.

Overdose

There are no known cases of Pharmatex overdose.

[ 4 ]

Interactions with other drugs

The use of any form of this drug during treatment with other medications for intravaginal use may lead to a decrease or disappearance of the contraceptive effect, in particular, iodine solutions have a detrimental effect on the spermicidal properties of benzalkonium chloride.

After the introduction of any form of Pharmatex, soap should not be used to wash the external genitalia, as it has a destructive effect on the active component of the drug.

[ 5 ], [ 6 ]

Storage conditions

Store at temperatures below 25℃. Keep out of reach of children.

Shelf life

Suppositories and cream are valid for no more than three years, capsules and tablets are valid for no more than two years.

[ 7 ]