The Basics
What is Nonoxynol-9?
Widely used in contraceptives for its spermicidal properties.
Brand names for Nonoxynol-9
Encare, Koromex, Delfen Foam, Emko
How Nonoxynol-9 is classified
Contraceptive Agents, Spermatocidal Agents
Nonoxynol-9 During Pregnancy
Nonoxynol-9 pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Nonoxynol-9 while pregnant
N/A
Taking Nonoxynol-9 While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Nonoxynol-9?
Nonoxynol-9 is a relatively nontoxic nonionic surfactant and only trivial amounts of the drug have been found in the milk of animals after vaginal administration.[1] Limited information indicates that breastfed infants of mothers using vaginal nonoxynol-9 experienced no adverse effects. Vaginal use of nonoxynol-9 is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Nonoxynol-9 is a relatively nontoxic nonionic surfactant and only trivial amounts of the drug have been found in the milk of animals after vaginal administration.[1] Limited information indicates that breastfed infants of mothers using vaginal nonoxynol-9 experienced no adverse effects. Vaginal use of nonoxynol-9 is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Possible effects of Nonoxynol-9 on milk supply
Compared with a combination contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg and levonorgestrel 150 mcg, women who used either nonoxynol-9 foam or copper-T IUD had less inhibition of lactation than the combined oral contraceptive.[2]
Possible alternatives to Nonoxynol-9
Etonogestrel, Intrauterine Copper Contraceptive, Oral Levonorgestrel, Intrauterine Levonorgestrel, Levonorgestrel Implant, Medroxyprogesterone Acetate, Norethindrone, Progesterone.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Johnson W Jr. Final report on the safety assessment of octoxynol-1, octoxynol-3, octoxynol-5, octoxynol-6, octoxynol-7, octoxynol-8, octoxynol-9, octoxynol-10, octoxynol-11, octoxynol-12, octoxynol-13, octoxynol-16, octoxynol-20, octoxynol-25, octoxynol-30, octoxynol-33, octoxynol-40, octoxynol-70, octoxynol-9 carboxylic acid, octoxynol-20 carboxylic acid, potassium octoxynol-12 phosphate, sodium octoxynol-2 ethane sulfonate, sodium octoxynol-2 sulfate, sodium octoxynol-6 sulfate, and sodium octoxynol-9 sulfate. Int J Toxicol. 2004;23 (Suppl 1):59-111. PMID: 15162838
2. Peralta O, Diaz S, Juez G et al. Fertility regulation in nursing women: V. Long-term influence of a low-dose combined oral contraceptive initiated at day 90 postpartum on lactation and infant growth. Contraception. 1983;27:27-38. PMID: 6404597
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
