Spermicidal

NHSL Medicines Guidance
NHS Lanarkshire

Spermicidal

Total list (T)

GYGEL®

  • Nonoxinol-9

Prescribing Notes:

  • Spermicides are not recommended for use as the sole method of contraception.
  • They have been traditionally advised in conjunction with barrier methods of contraception such as diaphragms or caps.
  • Most currently available spermicides contain nonoxinol ‘9’ (N9) as the active compound.
  • While N9 has been shown to be toxic to HIV in vitro, concerns have been raised regarding its detrimental effect on vaginal integrity and thereby on a possible increase in the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission.

NHSL Joint Adult Formulary Key

To indicate the category of a formulary medicine, updated sections adopt the following key:

Preferred list (P): First-line formulary choices.

Total list (T): Alternative choices when preferred list options not effective/not tolerated, or not indicated.

Specialist initiation (S1): Specialist initiation, or on the advice of a Consultant or Specialist Practitioner in this therapeutic area. Continuation in primary care is acceptable.

Specialist use only (S2): Supply via hospital, Homecare Service or a hospital based prescription (HBP) for dispensing by community pharmacy. Not prescribed in primary care setting.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 31/01/2022

Next review date: 31/01/2025

Author(s): NHSL.

Version: Please refer to the introduction section for an explanation of the review dates above.

Approved By: ADTC

Reviewer name(s): ADTC.