Gynaecotex

Gynecotex is a vaginal tablet whose active ingredient is benzalkonium chloride. It is a non-hormonal contraceptive, which also has antiseptic, antifungal and antiprotozoal action. The drug is effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. It is practically not absorbed during intravaginal administration and is removed with physiological secretions.

Gynecotex is recommended for use by women of reproductive age in various situations, including postpartum, lactation, pregnancy termination, and in case of contraindications to other forms of contraception. The pills are inserted into the vagina five minutes before sexual intercourse and are effective for 4 hours, but a new pill is required for each new sexual intercourse, regardless of previous use.

However, it is worth considering potential side effects such as burning and itching that may occur after use. Frequent use of Gynecotex can disrupt the vaginal microflora and reduce local immune defense. Therefore, it is not recommended for women who are sexually active. It is also important to know that any other preparations for vaginal use may reduce the effectiveness of Gynecotex by reducing its spermicidal effect.

Gynecotex and its analogs, such as Pharmatex, Benatex, Erotex and Contratex, contain the same active substance - benzalkonium chloride. This ensures their similar mechanism of action and allows you to choose an alternative depending on personal preferences and medical indications.

The drug is not on the World Health Organization (WHO) list of essential life-saving medicines, but there are 158 randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses, indicating its efficacy.

Indications Gynecotexa

Gynecotex is recommended for use in the following cases:

• As a topical contraceptive for women of reproductive age, especially when there are contraindications to the use of hormonal contraceptives or intrauterine devices.
• In the postpartum period, as well as during lactation, when the use of many other contraceptive methods may be limited.
• After termination of pregnancy, when it is important to prevent another pregnancy during the body's recovery period.
• In the premenopausal period, when changes in hormonal background may require adaptation of contraceptive methods.
• When occasional protection against pregnancy is needed, such as with irregular sexual activity.
• In case of missed or delayed use of conventional oral contraceptives when there is a risk of unwanted pregnancy.

Gynecotex is an effective contraceptive solution with additional antimicrobial properties, making it a suitable option for women seeking non-hormonal methods of contraception and protection against sexually transmitted infections.

Release form

Gynecotex is available in the form of 20 mg vaginal tablets. The tablets are ring-shaped, white or almost white in color. The package may contain 10 or 12 tablets. The active substance in each tablet is benzalkonium chloride 20 mg.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of Gynecotex lies in its multifaceted action: contraceptive (spermicidal), antiseptic, antifungal, antiprotozoal, as well as the ability to inactivate the Herpes simplex virus. Let us consider the mechanism of action of Gynecotex based on its pharmacodynamics:

1. Spermicidal action: The main contraceptive effect of Gynecotex is achieved due to its spermicidal activity. The drug damages the membranes of spermatozoa, first the target area is the flagella (providing movement of the sperm) and then the head. This damage renders the sperm unable to fertilize the egg. The contraceptive effect is quick, starting within 5 minutes after insertion of the vaginal tablet.
2. Antiseptic, antifungal and antiprotozoal action: In addition to its contraceptive action, Gynecotex has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. It exhibits bactericidal activity against a variety of pathogens, including Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Neisseria gonorrhoeae), and is also effective against fungi and molds. This multifaceted antimicrobial action contributes to its effectiveness in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.
3. Activity against drug-resistant strains: Gynaecotex is effective even against strains of bacteria resistant to antibiotics and other chemotherapeutic agents. This includes its ability to inhibit enzymes such as plasma coagulase and staphylococcal hyaluronidase, which are factors of bacterial pathogenicity and resistance.
4. Effect on vaginal flora and hormonal cycle: It is important to note that Gynecotex has no adverse effect on normal vaginal flora, including Lactobacillus species (Doderlein's bacilli), which are important for maintaining the vagina's natural acidity and protecting it from infections. The product also does not affect the user's hormonal cycle, making it a suitable contraceptive method that does not interfere with the body's natural hormonal regulation.

Pharmacokinetics

Gynecotex pharmacokinetics is characterized by minimal absorption during intravaginal administration, which ensures its local action. The active substance of the drug, benzalkonium chloride, is practically not absorbed and is removed with physiological secretions or when washing with water. This ensures safety of its use during pregnancy and lactation, as it has no harmful effect on the course of pregnancy and is not excreted with breast milk.

Dosing and administration

To use Gynecotex, follow the following method of administration and dosage:

1. How to use: Gynecotex is used intravaginally. That is, the tablet should be inserted directly into the vagina.
2. Dosage: The single dose is one vaginal tablet, which is intended for one sexual intercourse. The vaginal tablet should be inserted deep into the vagina 5 minutes before intended sexual intercourse.
3. Duration of action: The effect of one tablet lasts for 4 hours after insertion. If you plan to have sexual intercourse again, a new tablet must be used even if it has been less than 4 hours since the previous tablet was inserted.
4. Peculiaritiesof use: It is important to follow the instructions for use carefully to maximize the effectiveness of the product. Gynecotex can be used in combination with other barrier contraceptive methods, such as vaginal diaphragm or intrauterine devices, to increase effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.

Use Gynecotexa during pregnancy

Gynecotex has no harmful effect on pregnancy and is not excreted with breast milk, which allows its use during lactation. However, given that Gynecotex is intended for local contraception, its use during pregnancy is generally not expected. The main function of Gynecotex is to prevent pregnancy through its spermicidal action and to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of Gynecotex include:

• Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. If you have a known allergy to benzalkonium chloride or to any excipients contained in Gynecotex, its use is contraindicated.
• Inflammatory diseases of the vagina, such as colpitis (vaginitis). Use of the drug in the presence of these conditions may worsen symptoms.
• Ulceration and irritation of the vaginal and cervical mucosa. The presence of such lesions may increase the irritating effect of the tablets.

Also, the use of Gynecotex is not recommended for women who are sexually active without the use of additional contraception, as frequent use can disrupt the vaginal microflora and reduce local immune defense.

Before starting to use Gynecotex or any other medication, it is important to consult your doctor to make sure that the drug is suitable for you and will not be contraindicated in your case.

Side effects Gynecotexa

Side effects of Gynecotex include allergic reactions such as burning and itching and contact dermatitis.

Overdose

The drug is intended for local application and is practically not absorbed during intravaginal administration, which significantly reduces the risk of systemic side effects or overdose. Based on the data on the pharmacokinetics of benzalkonium chloride, the active component of Gynecotex, it can be assumed that the probability of systemic toxicity in case of accidental exceeding the recommended dose is extremely low. Nevertheless, as with any drug, when using Gynecotex, it is important to strictly follow the instructions for use and not to exceed the indicated dosage in order to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

Interactions with other drugs

Interactions between Gynecotex and other drugs may reduce its effectiveness as a contraceptive. This is especially true for drugs and substances inserted into the vagina, which may alter the local microflora or chemical balance, as a result of which the spermicidal effect of Gynecotex may be reduced.

• Any medication administered intravaginally may reduce the local spermicidal action of Gynecotex. This includes not only other medications, but also soaps and solutions containing soap, which may reduce the activity and efficacy of the drug.
• Iodine solutions, including 0.1% iodonate solution, may inactivate Gynecotex. This means that the use of such solutions together with Gynecotex may reduce its spermicidal and antiseptic action.

Storage conditions

Gynecotex should be stored in a dry place, protected from light, at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C. It is also important to keep it out of the reach of children.

Shelf life

The shelf life is 2 years.