Spermicides with N-9 focus of clinical trial
Contraceptive technology update 20(1): 5-6
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0274-726X PMID: 12349021 Document Number: 281121
Family Health International has initiated a 3-year multicenter clinical trial of the contraceptive efficacy, acceptability, and safety of over-the-counter spermicides containing nonoxynol-9. Although the active ingredients in marketed spermicides are generally safe, their effectiveness in final product formulations remains highly variable. 1800 women from 11 US centers will be randomly assigned to 1 of 5 spermicidal preparations and followed for 7 months. 3 of the preparations are gel products with varying amounts of nonoxynol-9, which will enable researchers to determine if the amount of spermicide influences efficacy. A suppository tablet and a film preparation have been included to assess whether the method of delivery affects efficacy.