A popular alternative to barrier and hormonal methods of contraception are drugs containing chemical components that negatively affect sperm. Pharmatex contraceptive vaginal cream contains components with spermicidal activity. This product is intended for introduction into the lumen of a woman’s genital tract before sexual intercourse to protect against unplanned conception. The main characteristics of the drug and the features of its use will be discussed in detail below.
pharmachologic effect
The spermicidal effect of the drug Pharmatex is provided by benzalkonium chloride. This substance has a destructive effect on sperm, completely destroying them. This requires only 20 seconds of their mutual contact.
Mechanism of action of the contraceptive drug
The huge advantage of the Pharmatex contraceptive is that it is destructive to the herpes virus, Staphylococcus aureus, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. However, benzalkonium chloride is completely static against candida, gardnerella, syphilis and mycoplasmas.
The drug Pharmatex is not hormonal, and therefore does not affect the general hormonal background of a woman’s body. Also, the vaginal microflora cannot be changed.
The active substance of the contraceptive is not absorbed; it remains on the walls of the vagina, where it shows its activity. Benzalkonium chloride is excreted in natural secretions.
Video on the topic:
Drug interactions of Pharmatex cream
Before you start using this product, it is important to remember that spermicides are not able to protect against infection with sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, the components of the cream can disrupt the structure of latex when using the cream and condoms simultaneously. This remedy acts at the local level, so it can be combined with taking any group of medications.
Regardless of whether Farmatex cream or suppositories of the same name are used, it is recommended that you first consult with your gynecologist and read the instructions for protective equipment.
Indications for use
The contraceptive drug Pharmatex is used to prevent pregnancy in the following cases:
- Inability to use oral or other hormonal contraceptives.
- After childbirth.
- When breastfeeding.
- Spontaneous abortion/miscarriage.
- Perimenopause.
- Irregular sex.
- Missed COC.
Photo gallery of cases when contraception is used:
After childbirth
Breast-feeding
Miscarriage
Missed COC
Contraindications
First of all, a contraindication for Pharmatex is the increased sensitivity of the body to the chemical composition. Another important contraindication is diseases of the external organs (vulva and vagina), especially those accompanied by a defect in the inner layer of the vagina: damage, ruptures, diseases with the formation of erosions and ulcers.
It is not recommended to use this product for local vaginal treatment with other pharmaceutical drugs, since the destruction and loss of spermicidal activity of the active component of the drug is likely.
Instructions for use
How to use Pharmatex? - interests many women, because there are several forms of release of the contraceptive.
| No. | Release form | Features of the use of the drug |
| 1 | General information | All forms of contraception are intended exclusively for intravaginal administration. It is important to understand that when having sexual intercourse again, you need to insert a new suppository, sponge (tampon), etc. |
| 2 | Candles | Enter no later than 5 minutes before intimacy. The action lasts for 4 hours or until the semen enters the vagina. |
| 3 | Cream | One tube contains 3 doses of the product. After application, its spermicidal effect is provided for 10 hours, but stops immediately after combining with sperm. Then, if necessary, a repeat dose is needed. |
| 4 | Pills | Before intravaginal administration, the tablet is moistened with water. Its contraceptive effectiveness lasts 3 hours. |
| 5 | Capsules | They act 10 minutes after administration and are effective for 4 hours. |
| 6 | Tampons | Introduce intravaginally and leave for 5 minutes. Remove (then can be used 2 more times) before PA. The effect of 1 application lasts for a day, but after completed intercourse, you need to re-administer. |
Vaginal suppositories
Pharmatex suppositories are suitable for women of any age. An option for those who have sexual intercourse 1-2 times a week or less. Unlike hormonal pills, suppositories do not lose effectiveness during vomiting and diarrhea.
Vaginal suppositories
Suppositories are cylindrical suppositories with a cone-shaped end. Each candle is additionally hidden in a plastic shell. The number of suppositories per package is 5 and 10 pieces.
When is the best time to use candles:
- Lactation.
- You cannot install a spiral or drink OK.
- Addition to other methods of contraception.
- Having diarrhea or diarrhea after taking the birth control pill.
- After an abortion.
Instructions for use
The suppository is inserted into the vagina 5-10 minutes before sexual intercourse in a supine position. One candle is consumed per ejaculation. Store at a temperature no higher than 25 degrees, but it is better in the refrigerator to avoid deformation.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- Remains of suppositories are easily removed with natural secretions and by washing.
- Can be purchased at any pharmacy without a prescription.
- They do not affect the gastrointestinal tract and hormonal levels.
- Protects against STDs.
- Easy to use.
- Efficiency does not decrease while taking medications (except vaginal).
- When used correctly, it has a high contraceptive effect.
Minuses:
- You should not wash yourself before and after sexual intercourse - hygiene products destroy the contraceptive effect.
- For the same reason, you won’t be able to take a bath or shower with a partner.
- The need to insert a suppository immediately before sexual intercourse interrupts foreplay.
- Each ejaculation requires the use of a new candle.
- You need to insert it quickly; the suppository begins to melt from the warmth of your fingers.
Pharmatex suppositories
Analogues substitutes
Exact analogues of the drug Pharmatex are:
- Erotex is available in the form of vaginal capsules with benzalkonium chloride. (Ukraine).
- Contratex is produced in the form of vaginal tampons, cream, suppositories, tablets, pastes, capsules. (Russia).
- Spermatex is created in the same forms as the previous drug with benzalkonium chloride. Manufacturer: SHREYA (India).
- Benatex is produced in vaginal tablets, suppositories, and gel with benzalkonium chloride. (Russia).
- Pharmaginex is available in the form of tampons, external paste, vaginal cream, suppositories, tablets and capsules with benzalkonium chloride. (Romania).
- Patentex is made in the form of suppositories with nonoxynol. (Germany).
Photos of substitutes:
Erotex
Contratex
Benatex
Patentex
Release forms
Let's look at the features of each type of drug Pharmatex, after which you can determine what is best for you: tablets, suppositories, capsules or cream.
Different forms of the drug create a certain degree of hydration:
- the tablets do not have a moisturizing effect and are suitable for women with excessive vaginal discharge;
- suppositories and capsules produce a moderate moisturizing effect, therefore they are suitable for women with normal or insufficient discharge;
- the cream has a strong moisturizing effect and is suitable for women suffering from vaginal dryness.
What is better Benatex, Patentex or Pharmatex?
Benatex, Patentex and Pharmatex
Benatex and Pharmatex are the same drugs. They differ only in the release form: the second has much more of them, which is more convenient for some women. Patentex is also available only in candles, but has another active substance - nonoxynol.
The prices are approximately the same, but some forms of the Pharmatex contraceptive are still cheaper.
Composition and principle of action on the body
Farmatex vaginal contraceptive cream is available in aluminum tubes with a volume of 72 g. The drug contains the substance benzalkonium chloride in an amount of 1.2 g. Each package of the product includes a plastic dispenser, which makes it easier to administer the spermicide into the lumen of the genital tract.
In addition to the active ingredient, the drug contains citric acid, ethylene glycol palmitostearate, distilled water and lavender oil. Upon contact with sperm, the active component of the drug causes destruction of their membranes, leading to death until they enter the lumen of the fallopian tubes.
Reviews from doctors
Kirilenko Anna Vladimirovna, gynecologist:
“Every woman should have the Pharmatex contraceptive, even if she uses other methods of contraception. It can always help out in an emergency without causing harm to the vaginal environment.”
Kosinsky Valentin Andreevich, gynecologist:
“This drug is good because it does not affect a woman’s hormonal levels, thereby not provoking any changes in the body. Pharmatex is completely safe for nursing women, which is a good alternative for the lactation period.”
Features of using Farmatex cream
During the period of bearing a child, the use of the contraceptive Pharmatex is inappropriate, since re-conception in the body of a pregnant woman is completely excluded. If a pregnant woman has a regular sexual partner, she may refrain from using any means of contraception. During breastfeeding, within six months from the birth of the child, the female body is minimally exposed to the risk of re-conception. To protect against unplanned pregnancy, Farmatex gel can be used in accordance with the instructions.
During breastfeeding, to create additional protection against re-conception, Pharmatex spermicidal cream can be used in the standard dosage specified in the official instructions for the drug. Before use, it is recommended to consult with your doctor.
Reviews from women
Valeria, 25 years old : “I had to give up hormonal COCs, but I found an excellent alternative - Benatex suppositories. Contraceptive effectiveness has never failed me, so I’m happy with the result.”
Irina, 30 years old : “I used to use Pharmatex tampons often. When I got married, I decided to switch to oral contraceptives. Neither I nor my partner had any adverse reactions.”
Anastasia, 21 years old : “Benatex capsules are my first contraceptive. The first time everything was fine, but upon repeated insertion it began to burn in the vagina. I don't use them anymore."
Side effects and overdose
In most cases, in the absence of individual intolerance to one of the components of the cream, the product is favorably tolerated by the body of the woman and her sexual partner. If the dosage regimen is not followed, as well as against the background of hypersensitivity, the following adverse reactions may occur:
- Vaginitis, colpitis.
- Allergic rash on the mucous membrane of the external genitalia.
- The appearance of copious discharge from the genital tract, which has an uncharacteristic color and an unpleasant odor.
- Swelling of the vaginal walls and external genitalia.
- Itching and burning in the vagina.
- Discomfort during intimacy.
Indications and contraindications for Pharmatex suppositories
The drug Farmatex can be used for contraception in women of any age. They are effective when you miss a hormonal pill, and are recommended for those who rarely have intimate relationships.
Pharmatex can be used by older women approaching menopause. The moisturizing property of suppositories and the lack of systemic influence are useful for them. But the drug has contraindications:
- individual intolerance;
- history of allergic reactions to the active component;
- inflammation of the vagina;
- herpetic rashes;
- ulcerative lesions of the mucous membrane.
Features of use during pregnancy and lactation
Pregnant women do not need to use contraceptives; re-pregnancy is possible only after childbirth. But to protect against sexually transmitted infections, some use Pharmatex suppositories. This is an effective drug for the prevention of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and genital herpes. But if you lack confidence in your sexual partner, it is better to give preference to condoms.
Pharmatex is not contraindicated for lactating women . The active components are not absorbed from the surface of the mucous membrane, therefore they are not able to penetrate into breast milk and affect the baby. Before using after childbirth, you must wait at least 4 weeks.
Where to buy Pharmatex contraception?
Farmatex tablets or contraceptive suppositories are sold in most pharmacies. You should not buy the drug second-hand or trust unverified stores. The medicine requires special storage conditions, otherwise it may deteriorate. The suppositories should not be exposed to sunlight or the ambient temperature should rise above 25°C. The fat will begin to melt, the candle will become deformed, and the active substance will lose effectiveness.
At home, birth control suppositories can be stored in the refrigerator door. But it can be placed in a general first aid kit if it is in a closed cabinet away from children’s eyes.
Pharmatex is produced by the French company Innotex. The cost of the original drug is on average 499 rubles, but in some pharmacies it may increase due to the peculiarities of the pricing policy. The product line also includes Farmatex vaginal contraceptive pills and cream.
Important!↑
Like any medicine, Pharmatex has its contraindications. This is irritation or ulcers on the vaginal mucosa, colpitis, as well as increased sensitivity to the components of the drug. The medication should not be used in combination with other vaginal products. If you are taking treatment for gynecological diseases, be sure to consult your gynecologist about contraception.
It must be remembered that two hours before using the drug "Pharmatex" in any form of release, you cannot use gels or other products for intimate hygiene. Also for two hours after sexual intercourse. The components that make up the gel can have a destructive effect on benzalkonium chloride.
Who should use it?
The instructions for use of the drug contain recommendations for its use only by women of the reproductive period.
Indications for the use of vaginal cream are:
- the presence of contraindications for the use of other methods of protection against unwanted pregnancy, including hormonal drugs and intrauterine device;
- postpartum period;
- lactation period;
- post-abortion period;
- premenopausal period, which is accompanied by an irregular menstrual cycle;
- presence of irregular sex life;
- in case of rhythm disturbance in taking oral contraceptives;
- an additional method of contraception when using an intrauterine device or vaginal diaphragm.
The use of the cream is recommended for women suffering from insufficient secretion of physiological secretions as a lubricant.
How it works and how reliable it is
Pharmatex belongs to the group of contraceptives that have the following pharmacological effects:
- spermicidal;
- bactericidal.
The cream achieves a contraceptive effect by immobilizing or killing sperm that enter the vagina. In this case, their membranes are destroyed. As a result, the damaged sperm cannot participate in the fertilization process.
For your information! The sperm is the smallest cell in the male body and consists of a head, middle part and tail. The head of the sperm carries DNA, which is a repository of genetic information. In the middle part there are mitochondria, which ensure the movement of the sperm. The tail is a means of movement due to the energy generated in the middle part. The action of Pharmatex is based on damage to the membrane that covers the sperm, which leads to the destruction of chromosomal information.
After insertion into the vagina, the contraceptive begins to act within 10 minutes.
The bactericidal effect of the cream applies to the following types of infectious pathogens:
- gonorrhea;
- chlamydia;
- trichomoniasis;
- 2 types of herpes;
- Staphylococcus aureus.
The drug has a weak effect on pathogens:
- vaginal candidiasis;
- gardnerellosis, or bacterial vaginosis;
- syphilis.
The cream does not affect the causative agent of mycoplasmosis.
Benzalkonium chloride contained in the cream does not affect the vaginal microflora and the hormonal background of the female body. When used correctly, the cream reliably protects against pregnancy.
