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Pharmatex
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Non-hormonal local contraceptive, which damages the cellular membranes of spermatozoa and deprives them of the ability to fertilize, which, moreover, has antiseptic properties. The active ingredient of the drug is benzalkonium chloride.
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Indications of the pharmatex
The drug is recommended to use to protect against unwanted pregnancy in cases of impossibility or inexpediency of using more effective contraceptives: irregular sexual life, in the postpartum period, during breastfeeding, after abortion, 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 a spiral, condom, cervical cap, diaphragm, hormonal birth control pills, including cases of violation of the period of their admission.
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Release form
Contraceptives for intravaginal administration are available in the following forms:
- tablets (12 pieces) - 20 mg of the active ingredient;
- suppositories (10 pieces) and capsules (6 pieces) - 18.9 mg;
- tampons (2 pieces) - 60 mg each;
- cream in tube with applicator-doser - 72g (calculated for 30 applications).
Pharmacodynamics
The active component of the contraceptive (Benzalkonium chloride) has a spermicidal effect by damaging the cell membranes of the spermatozoa, which prevents them from fertilizing the ovum. The death of spermatozoa on contact with the active component occurs within 20 seconds. One unit of any form of contraceptive (except for tampons) or one injection of the cream involves neutralization of spermatozoa, on average contained in one ejaculate. Each repeated sexual act requires an additional dose of the contraceptive.
In addition, during the tests in the laboratory conditions, gonococci, chlamydia, trichomonads, genital herpes viruses and Staphylococcus aureus were sensitive to chloride chloride. Resistant to it mycoplasma, insignificant activity of the active substance in relation to yeast fungi Candida, gardnerelle, pale treponema.
In vivo, the antimicrobial activity of Pharmatex slightly decreases, however, when used with a condom at the same time, there is practically no chance of infection during sexual intercourse.
Contraceptive does not affect the biocenosis of the vagina and 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 excreta from the vagina.
Dosing and administration
It should be noted that after exposure to sperm, the dose of the drug administered (except the tampon) loses its activity, so before a second sexual intercourse, a new dose must be introduced.
The tablets are placed in the vagina, previously doused in clean water. The drug in the tablet form, inserted into the vagina, remains suitable for contraception for 3 hours, from the moment of administration until the beginning of the action of the substance must pass a minimum of 10 minutes.
Suppositories are removed from the shell with clean hands and inserted into the vagina preferably in the supine position on the back. The preparation in the form of candles inserted into the vagina remains suitable for contraception for 4 hours, from the moment of administration until the beginning of the action of the substance must pass a minimum of 5 minutes.
Capsules administered intravaginally begin to act after ten minutes, the period of activity lasts four hours.
The cream introduced by means of the dispenser-applicator acts instantly, its spermicidal effect persists up to ten hours. The best posture for intravaginal administration of the cream is lying on the back.
The swab removed from the shell is placed deep (before contact with the cervix) in the vagina with clean fingers. The spermicidal effect of this form is immediate, sufficient for three sexual intercourse and lasts for a day. After this period, the tampon should be removed (the preferred position of the body for this is squatting). Immersion in water (bath, pool, outdoor pond) reduces the spermicidal activity of the tampon.
Use of the pharmatex during pregnancy
During clinical trials with the use of a local contraceptive at the beginning of pregnancy, its teratogenic properties were not revealed, then it is not appropriate to use Pharmatex.
During the lactation period, it is allowed to use contraception with this drug, since a negligible amount of active substance can penetrate into the mother's milk.
Contraindications
Sensitization to the components of the contraceptive, violation of 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 with the use of medicinal and phytopreparations it is not recommended to be protected with Pharmatex, since the spermicidal activity of the active substance can be reduced.
Side effects of the pharmatex
The probability of undesirable effects is negligible, since no systemic action occurs on the body. Possible local allergic reactions (itching, irritation).
Overdose
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 harmful effect on the spermicidal properties of benzalkonium chloride.
After the introduction of any form of Pharmatex, do not use soap when washing the external genital organs, since it acts destructively on the active component of the drug.
Storage conditions
Keep in accordance with the temperature regime up to 25 ℃. Keep away from children.
Shelf life
It is not more than three years that suppositories and cream, no more than two capsules and tablets.
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Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Pharmatex" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.