Overview of No Gravida
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) |
| Form | Vaginal suppository, Gel, Cream, Foam |
| Pharmacological class | Spermicide; Non-hormonal contraceptive |
| Common use | Prevention of pregnancy |
| Origin | Synthetic compound |
No Gravida: Identity and Pharmacological Classification
No Gravida is a pharmaceutical product classified as a locally acting, non-hormonal contraceptive used for the prevention of pregnancy. Nonoxynol-9 is a long-standing and common active spermicidal agent used in over-the-counter preparations. This provides a readily accessible method of birth control without requiring a prescription or altering the user's systemic hormonal balance. Pharmacologically, the preparation is strictly defined as a spermicide, a category of agents designed to chemically inactivate sperm cells. This product is often utilized as a primary contraceptive method by women of reproductive potential who prioritize immediate, on-demand, and localized control.
Active Ingredient and Delivery Forms
The essential component of No Gravida is the single active ingredient, Nonoxynol-9 (N-9), which is a synthetic chemical entity. Nonoxynol-9 functions as a spermicide by causing direct damage to sperm. This active compound is delivered through various dosage forms, most commonly as a vaginal suppository, designed for easy insertion, but is also formulated as a gel, cream, or foam intended for application within the vagina. The formulation utilizes various non-active aqueous or hydrophobic vehicles that are optimized for dispersion and retention at the local site of administration.
General Purpose and Action Principle
The general purpose of this medicine is to provide a chemical barrier to fertilization by directly attacking sperm viability. Nonoxynol-9 achieves this through its function as a potent chemical detergent, which is responsible for causing the rapid disruption of sperm cell membranes. This detergent action leads directly to the swift immobilization of sperm and their subsequent inactivation, preventing them from traveling into the uterus. This mechanism ensures the product acts strictly at the local level to provide an immediate, non-systemic form of contraception.
Regulatory References

