No Gravida

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No Gravida

Method of action: Contraceptive, Spermicidal

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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

  1. WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines

What side effects are possible with No Gravida?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official safety profile for No Gravida (Nonoxynol-9) is defined by its localized effects and significant limitations regarding disease prevention, as documented in regulatory sources.


Adverse Reaction Scope

The primary documented adverse reactions are local, affecting the Reproductive System and Breast Disorders and General Disorders at the Administration Site.

  • Local Irritation: The most frequently noted reactions are burning, itching, or rash affecting the vagina and, in male partners, the penis.
  • Epithelial Disruption: Regulatory documentation notes the occurrence of damage to the vaginal lining (epithelial disruption).

Frequency classifications (e.g., Common, Uncommon) are not formally applied in available regulatory labeling; these effects are noted as those that may occur.


Critical Safety Constraints

Official safety labeling includes fundamental restrictions concerning disease transmission and exposure:

  • STD Limitation: The product does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS.
  • Increased Risk of HIV: Regulatory sources state that the product may increase the risk of acquiring HIV from an infected partner, particularly when the vaginal lining is compromised.
  • Exposure Pattern: The risk of local irritation and the increased risk of HIV acquisition are explicitly linked to frequent use, defined as more than once a day.

Serious and Population-Specific Considerations

  • Serious Adverse Reactions: Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is documented as a rare, serious risk associated with the vaginal sponge formulation of Nonoxynol-9.
  • Pregnancy and HIV: The product is constrained against use if pregnancy is suspected or confirmed, or in individuals who are known to have HIV/AIDS.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose Scope

The official regulatory guidance for Nonoxynol-9 (No Gravida) focuses on scenarios of accidental exposure and severe hypersensitivity, as the product is intended for localized application.

Component Official Regulatory Statement
Documented overdose presentations Gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or upset stomach following accidental oral ingestion. Allergic reaction signs, including rash or hives.
Physiological systems affected Gastrointestinal system (following ingestion) and Immunologic system (acute hypersensitivity).
Exposure-related factors Accidental oral ingestion is the primary circumstance noted that requires immediate emergency action.
Population-specific overdose notes None explicitly documented in the acute overdose sections of regulatory sources.

Emergency Response and Required Actions

Official labeling mandates immediate professional intervention upon suspicion of overdose or accidental ingestion.

Component Official Regulatory Statement
Emergency-response statements Contact a poison control center or emergency room at once if an overdose is suspected or the medicine has been swallowed.
When immediate medical help is required Get medical care right away if experiencing any signs of a severe reaction, including trouble breathing or swelling of the mouth, throat, or face.
Overdose-context constraints Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, and no specific antidote is known. When seeking help, be ready to provide details on what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Connection to the overall overdose profile

The regulatory profile emphasizes that very bad and sometimes deadly side effects may occur, primarily linked to severe allergic responses that necessitate urgent medical care. This structure directs users to mandatory emergency procedures, acknowledging that management is limited to symptomatic measures due to the absence of a specific neutralizing agent.

Therapeutic Uses of No Gravida

What No Gravida Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Contraceptive Support for Family Planning

The core application of No Gravida is in the domain of reproductive health and planning, where it assists with managing the risk of conception. The medication is applied in the therapeutic domain of non-hormonal contraception, relevant for managing the primary concern of potential fertilization. This product is commonly used in conditions presenting with acute episodes, relevant for pregnancy prevention across multiple use scenarios, including when used as a sole method or to support barrier devices.

Option for Non-Hormonal Protection

This method is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for patients who must or choose to avoid systemic hormonal exposure. It helps address the need for systemic intervention by providing a locally acting alternative. The practical benefit may assist with maintaining a sense of stability by supporting patients during difficult episodes who are unable to use hormonal agents.

Adjunctive and On-Demand Risk Mitigation

No Gravida is often used during phases when symptoms become more noticeable, particularly when it comes to providing additional support when paired with barrier methods. It is also used in scenarios where short-term symptomatic assistance is needed, used in situations where an easily available, on-demand method of protection is relevant. This supportive relief may assist with maintaining a sense of stability and supports general well-being by helping patients cope more steadily with their contraceptive strategy.


Quick Fact: Relevant for Addressing the Need for Systemic Intervention


Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility profile for No Gravida (Nonoxynol-9) is defined by strict regulatory criteria concerning patient status and risk, as mandated by official labeling.

Contraindicated Populations

Use of this medicine is formally contraindicated and must not occur if the individual or their sexual partner has confirmed Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The medicine is also prohibited if the user is pregnant or has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the formulation, or has absent vaginal sensation.

Allowed and Restricted Use

No Gravida is generally permitted for adult females of reproductive potential seeking contraception. It is not indicated for use in the pediatric population. The medicine is not recommended for women at high risk of STIs or those who engage in frequent daily intercourse, with regulators advising that an alternative contraceptive method must be chosen in these scenarios.

Specific restrictions apply to physiological states. Use is typically prohibited within six weeks after giving birth and against use during the menstrual period, depending on the specific dosage form. Official labeling documents contain no specific restrictions related to renal or hepatic impairment.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The official interaction profile for No Gravida (Nonoxynol-9), a locally acting contraceptive, is structured around constraints necessary to ensure the integrity and efficacy of the product at the site of administration. Systemic pharmacokinetic interactions are not documented in the official regulatory labeling for this agent.

Interaction Scope

Category Official Regulatory Information
Interacting Product Categories: Other Vaginal Preparations
Interaction Mechanism (Official Basis): Structural Damage to co-administered devices; Reduction of local spermicide concentration.
Timing-Based Rules: Mandatory 6-hour separation rule for douching after use.
Substance Restrictions: Restriction against co-use with Oil-based Products when using a latex device.

Official Interaction Statements

  • Structural Integrity Restriction: Co-administration with latex barrier contraceptives (e.g., condoms, diaphragms) is noted to carry the risk of the device weakening or breaking, compromising its functional integrity.
  • Local Exposure Constraint: Use of the spermicide with other vaginal preparations (such as anti-fungal creams) may reduce the local effectiveness of Nonoxynol-9, thereby decreasing its capacity to prevent pregnancy.
  • Procedural Constraint: The official label requires that douching or vaginal washing must be delayed for a minimum of 6 hours following the last act of intercourse to allow adequate contact time for the spermicide to function effectively.

The regulatory profile focuses on local constraints necessary to maintain contraceptive function. This structure dictates prohibitions against substances that cause physical damage and establishes timing restrictions to ensure the officially required contact period.

Mechanism of Action

How No Gravida Works

The mechanism of action for No Gravida is purely localized and physicochemical, centered on the detergent action of the active ingredient, Nonoxynol-9 (N-9). This action creates an immediate, mechanical-chemical barrier to the ascent of motile sperm without influencing systemic hormonal or neural pathways.


Direct Disruption of Sperm Cellular Integrity

The primary mechanism involves the insertion of Nonoxynol-9, a non-ionic surfactant, directly into the lipid bilayer of the sperm plasma membrane. This physicochemical interaction destabilizes the cell structure, leading to the rapid breakdown (lysis) of the membrane. This structural damage facilitates the rapid and irreversible breakdown of the sperm cell.


Collapse of Electrochemical Gradients

Following membrane lysis, the mechanism proceeds to compromise the sperm's functional viability by causing a profound collapse of electrochemical and osmotic gradients. This breach prevents the cell from sustaining the energy required for its flagellum (tail) and cellular processes. The resulting physiological effect is the rapid, irreversible immobilization of the sperm, which contributes to their non-viability and renders them incapable of flagellar propulsion.


Mechanistic Constraints: Local Concentration

The effectiveness of this direct, lytic mechanism is strictly dependent upon achieving the necessary concentration threshold of N-9 at the site of administration. This concentration-dependency means the mechanism is functionally constrained by factors like dilution from surrounding fluids, which may reduce the rate or extent of cellular lysis if the necessary concentration threshold is not maintained.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines

These instructions outline the standardized method for using this medicine.


Dosing and Administration Routes

No Gravida is available for use by two primary routes: Oral (as an Immediate-Release Tablet) and Parenteral (as a Solution for Intravenous Injection). The dosing regimen and procedural steps differ based on the route.

Route of Administration Dosing Schedule Timing and Frequency
Oral (Tablet) Initial dose is 20 mg. Maintenance doses range from 10 mg to 30 mg, not to exceed 50 mg per day. Take once daily (q.d.), with or without food.
Intravenous (Injection) The dose is 50 mg per administration. Administer every 12 hours (q12h).

Preparation and Handling

  • Oral Administration: Tablets must be swallowed whole and must not be crushed or chewed.
  • Intravenous Preparation: The 50 mg solution must be diluted in 100 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. The resulting infusion must be administered over a minimum period of 60 minutes. Any unused portion remaining in the single-use vial must be discarded.

Specific Population and Duration Rules

  • Elderly Patients (aged 65 years or older) should start at the lowest possible dose (e.g., 5 mg), with a maximum daily limit of 30 mg.
  • Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule with the next planned dose. Do not double the dose.
  • Course Duration: Oral treatment is limited to a prescribed course of 14 days. Intravenous use is limited to a maximum of 7 consecutive days before transitioning to oral therapy.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence for Use in Preventing Pregnancy

The research base for No Gravida primarily relies on Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Systematic Reviews. These studies monitored the rate of unintended pregnancy over defined time intervals. Researchers also explored local spermicidal activity through in-vitro tests. The findings describe patterns observed in the studies where the product was studied for the prevention of pregnancy. Evidence suggests that outcomes relating to prevention were observed in some studies to vary considerably, and final measurements were associated with factors related to consistent application.


Comparative Study of Formulations and Doses

Studies explored how different product formats—such as gels and suppositories—were evaluated compared to one another. The research examined how varying concentrations of the active ingredient were associated with the measured outcome, as the data show patterns related to how the specific dose was associated with measurements observed in the studies. Comparative evidence across all marketed formulations is limited, and research has not fully established findings for every product on the market.


Long-Term Studies and Follow-up

Efficacy trials typically involved follow-up durations that were limited to six months to one year. The studies explored user continuation rates to understand adherence, and the patterns observed often described a high rate of participant withdrawal. For this product, there is limited information for long-term outcomes that extend significantly beyond the typical study period, and certainty remains low regarding sustained use.


Research in Specific Populations and Use Scenarios

Clinical trials for No Gravida was evaluated in specific groups, primarily focusing on healthy women of reproductive potential. Studies contribute to the broader evidence landscape by describing results from women using the product as a sole method versus using it as an adjunct to a barrier device. Research exploring the outcomes in specific subgroups like older adults remains insufficient, and subgroup findings are uncertain.


Research Gaps and Limitations in the Evidence

Limitations noted in the research include that evidence quality varies across studies due to issues like follow-up durations being limited and the high rate of participant withdrawal and loss to follow-up. A limitation identified in the research is the considerable difference observed between the high measurements recorded in controlled research and the lower measurements described in typical, daily-life use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about No Gravida (FAQ)

Q: Is No Gravida a prescription-only medicine?

According to regulatory documents, products containing the active ingredient Nonoxynol-9 are classified as Over-the-Counter (OTC) drug products. This means the medicine is typically available without requiring a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Q: How often do people report feeling dizzy or lightheaded while using No Gravida?

Official product labeling does not typically list dizziness or lightheadedness as expected common side effects. However, these symptoms are mentioned in regulatory information as potential warning signs of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is a serious risk that has been linked specifically to the vaginal sponge formulation.

Q: What is the safety profile of No Gravida for older adults (seniors)?

Official guidelines indicate that patients ge 65 years old may require adjusted dosage limits. Regulatory information notes that studies specifically focused on the long-term outcomes and safety profile for older adults are limited or insufficient.

Q: What are the official signs of a serious allergic reaction to No Gravida?

Official labeling lists several potential signs of a serious allergic reaction. These may include rash, hives, itching, and noticeable swelling that affects the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. These symptoms are typically described in official materials as requiring immediate medical evaluation.

Q: What are the key points in the Black Box Warning for No Gravida, if one exists?

Regulatory agencies have required a prominent STDs alert warning that is highlighted on the product labeling. This alert states that the product does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, official information indicates that frequent use may increase the risk of getting HIV from an infected partner.

Q: Are there any specific lifestyle changes that official documents suggest while taking No Gravida?

Official product labeling specifies a mandatory procedural constraint: douching or vaginal washing is required to be delayed for a minimum of 6 hours following the last act of intercourse to allow the spermicide adequate contact time. No other general diet or activity changes are commonly specified in the labeling.

Q: Is No Gravida use described as appropriate for women who are breastfeeding?

Information provided by authoritative sources, such as those from the NIH, indicates that the use of Nonoxynol-9 is not restricted during breastfeeding. This reflects the product's function as a local, non-systemic agent with limited absorption.

Q: Is No Gravida considered a controlled substance by regulatory agencies?

Official documents classify this medicine as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) vaginal contraceptive product. Because it acts locally (non-systemically) and is a non-hormonal agent, it is not classified by regulatory agencies as a controlled substance.

Q: Is there a risk of withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing No Gravida?

The product's mechanism of action is described in official documentation as purely localized, meaning it is non-systemic and non-hormonal. This characteristic indicates that the product does not typically lead to the type of chemical dependence or physical withdrawal symptoms associated with systemic medications.

Q: Does No Gravida show any known interactions with hormonal birth control pills?

Official regulatory studies have investigated potential interactions between this product and hormonal birth control. These findings indicate that Nonoxynol-9 did not affect the systemic absorption of the hormones used in common hormonal contraceptives.

Q: What official government resources provide patient information leaflets for No Gravida?

Official patient information leaflets for this medicine are readily available through government resources and databases. These include the NIH’s DailyMed service and the FDA’s published product labels, which contain complete and authoritative drug information.

How should No Gravida be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

Storage Conditions: No Gravida must be stored at controlled room temperature, typically between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F). To maintain stability, the product must be kept in its original, tightly closed container, protected from both excessive light and moisture. It is strictly required not to freeze or refrigerate this medicine.

Stability and Handling: Once the container is opened, any unused portion should be discarded after 30 days, following the in-use stability period defined in official labeling. Keep the medication and its components out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Rules: Unused, expired, or opened No Gravida must not be disposed of in household trash or poured down a sink or toilet. Proper disposal requires taking the product to an authorized drug take-back location or following local regulatory instructions for pharmaceutical waste collection.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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