lactic acid/citric acid/potassium bitartrate

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity;
OB: Pregnancy;
Rep: History of recurrent urinary tract infection or urinary tract abnormalities.

Use Cautiously in:

Lactation: Safety not established in breastfeeding.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

GU: vulvovaginal burning, vulvovaginal pruritus, bacterial vaginosis, cystitis, dysuria, genital discomfort, pyelonephritis, urinary tract infection, vagina discharge, vulvovaginal candidiasis, vulvovaginal pain

Misc: hypersensitivity reactions

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

Avoid use with vaginal rings.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Vaginal gel: lactic acid 90 mg/citric acid 50 mg/potassium bitartrate 20 mg in each 5-g prefilled applicator

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

Vag (Adults and Children [women of reproductive potential]): One prefilled applicator (5 g) immediately before or up to 1 hr before each act of vaginal intercourse. If ≥1 act of vaginal intercourse occurs within 1 hr, must insert another prefilled applicator.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Action ⬆ ⬇

Lowers the pH in the vagina, which subsequently reduces sperm motility.

Therapeutic effects:

Prevention of pregnancy.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: contraceptive nonhormonals

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Systemic absorption not expected following vaginal administration.

Distribution: Systemic absorption not expected following vaginal administration.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
Vag	unknown	unknown	unknown

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Explain the purpose and side effects. Instruct patient in correct timing and technique for vaginal administration before vaginal sex. May be used during any part of menstrual cycle and as soon as it is safe to resume vaginal intercourse after childbirth, abortion, or miscarriage. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting and with each Rx refill in case of changes.
Advise patient that Phexx is not effective at preventing pregnancy when used after vaginal sex.
Inform patient that Phexx may be used with hormonal contraceptives; latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene condoms; and vaginal diaphragms. Avoid use with vaginal rings. May also be used concurrently with other products for vaginal infections (miconazole, metronidazole, tioconazole).
Advise patient to notify health care provider if severe or prolonged genital irritation or symptoms of urinary tract infection (burning feeling when passing urine, cloudy urine, pain in the pelvis, back pain) occur. May also cause burning, itching, and pain in male partner.
Inform patient that Phexx does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
Advise patient to notify health care provider of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care provider before taking other medications.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care provider if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding. There is no use for Phexx in pregnancy; discontinue use.

section name header

Indications ⬇

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇