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Pharmatex 18.9 mg vaginal capsules (benzalkonium chloride) – local non-hormonal contraception
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- Stock: Zabrana online prodaje
- Brand: INNOTHERA
- Model: BR-6715641
Pharmatex vaginal capsules are a local, hormone-free contraceptive. One soft vaginal capsule contains 18.9 mg benzalkonium chloride, a spermicide – a substance that destroys sperm.
Pharmatex reduces the risk of pregnancy but does not eliminate it completely, and its effectiveness depends on strict adherence to the instructions. Any woman who needs contraception can use this method, particularly when hormonal contraception or an IUD is not suitable, after childbirth, while breastfeeding, in the premenopause, for occasional contraception or as additional protection. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Important warning
- Supply status in Serbia: available without a prescription (OTC).
- Insert the capsule deep into the vagina 10 minutes before each intercourse; protection lasts 4 hours, and a new capsule is needed for each further intercourse.
- Soap destroys the active substance – avoid washing the intimate area with soap 2 hours before and 2 hours after intercourse; bathing in a tub, the sea or a pool may reduce effectiveness.
- Must not be used with a polyurethane male condom. Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV.
- This page is for information only and is not an offer to buy the medicine online.
How do Pharmatex vaginal capsules work and how are they used correctly for contraception?
Key facts about the medicine
| Name of the medicine | Pharmatex®, 18.9 mg, vaginal capsule, soft |
|---|---|
| Active substance | benzalkonium chloride |
| Strength | 18.9 mg benzalkonium chloride per capsule (as a 50% aqueous solution) |
| Pharmaceutical form | soft vaginal capsule (translucent, beige) |
| Therapeutic group | other gynaecologicals – intravaginal contraceptives (G02BB) |
| Pack | 6 vaginal capsules (1 blister) |
| Marketing authorisation holder | Laboratoire Innotech International Representative Office Belgrade; manufacturer Innothera Chouzy, France |
| Supply status (Serbia) | available without a prescription |
What is Pharmatex used for?
According to the official leaflet, Pharmatex is a local contraceptive containing a spermicide that reduces the risk of pregnancy. Any woman who needs contraception can use it, particularly:
- if she cannot use hormonal contraception or an IUD;
- if she has just given birth, is breastfeeding or is in the premenopause;
- if she wants occasional contraception;
- as an additional method with a diaphragm, cervical cap or IUD (especially during longer treatment with some medicines, e.g. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs);
- if she has forgotten or taken a hormonal pill late – then both methods are used until the end of the cycle, after re-reading the leaflet of the hormonal pill.
This method is less effective than hormonal contraception, an IUD, a diaphragm, a cervical cap and condoms, so it is important that the method of use is completely clear.
How is it used and dosed?
| Step | According to the leaflet |
|---|---|
| Dose | 1 capsule before each intercourse, regardless of the cycle phase, also during menstruation |
| Timing | insert the capsule deep into the vagina 10 minutes before intercourse, preferably lying down |
| Duration of protection | 4 hours |
| Repeated intercourse | a new capsule before each further intercourse |
| Hygiene | before or immediately after intercourse only external washing with clean water for both partners; rinsing with water only after at least 2 hours; no soap |
- Vaginal use – do not swallow the capsule.
- Compatible with a silicone diaphragm and a silicone cervical cap.
- Contraindicated with polyurethane male condoms; check the condom material before use with a condom.
Special patient groups
- Breastfeeding: the medicine can be used while breastfeeding.
- After childbirth and in the premenopause: the leaflet lists these as situations particularly suited to local contraception.
Contraindications – when the medicine must not be used
Do not use Pharmatex:
- if you are allergic to benzalkonium chloride or any of the excipients;
- if a polyurethane male condom is used at the same time.
Precautions and warnings
- Before use, read and understand the method of use carefully; if anything is unclear, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Soap destroys the active substance – avoid washing the intimate area with soap 2 hours before and 2 hours after intercourse.
- Avoid bathing and swimming in the sea or a pool, as this may reduce effectiveness.
- If damage to the vaginal mucosa appears or worsens, stop use and consult your doctor.
- If vaginal treatment is needed, wait until it is finished before (re)starting Pharmatex.
- The method does not protect against sexually transmitted infections or AIDS – only condoms provide real protection.
Interactions with other medicines, alcohol and food
Simultaneous use with other vaginal medicines or with soap is not recommended, as they may cause loss of effectiveness. If your doctor has prescribed a vaginal medicine, wait until that treatment is finished. A condom can be used with Pharmatex for greater protection (not a polyurethane one).
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: use at the start of an as yet unconfirmed pregnancy does not pose a particular risk to the foetus. Breastfeeding: the medicine can be used while breastfeeding.
Driving and using machines
Not applicable.
Possible side effects
- Rare (up to 1 in 1,000): itching, burning sensation or local irritation in one or both partners.
- Not known: allergy (hypersensitivity) to an ingredient – redness, itching and very rarely swelling of the face and neck with difficulty breathing.
If signs of allergy appear, contact your doctor immediately. Report suspected side effects to your doctor, pharmacist or ALIMS.
Overdose, missed dose and stopping treatment
- More capsules than needed: ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- Forgot to insert a capsule before intercourse: there is a risk of pregnancy – emergency contraception can be used as soon as possible; ask a pharmacist or doctor.
When to seek medical help immediately?
- swelling of the face, lips or neck with difficulty breathing
- severe pain, bleeding or marked damage to the vaginal mucosa
- unprotected intercourse (forgotten capsule, washing with soap, more than 4 hours passed) – emergency contraception is most effective the sooner it is taken
Pharmacist's advice
The effectiveness of Pharmatex capsules depends on the details: insert the capsule deep into the vagina, wait 10 minutes, and intercourse must take place within 4 hours. For every further intercourse – a new capsule. The most common mistake is washing with soap or an intimate gel just before or after intercourse; clean water externally is enough, and rinsing only after 2 hours.
If you want greater security or protection against sexually transmitted infections, combine Pharmatex with a latex condom (never a polyurethane one). If you or your partner notice itching or burning, stop use and ask your pharmacist for advice.
Availability and price
Pharmatex is available without a prescription, but under Serbian regulations medicines are not sold online. This page is for information only.
Please check availability and price in a pharmacy.
Composition, packaging and manufacturer
- Active substance: 18.9 mg benzalkonium chloride per vaginal capsule (as a 50% aqueous solution).
- Excipients – core: dimeticone 1000, hydrophobic colloidal silica, hydroxypropylcellulose, macrogol 7 glycerol cocoate, macrogol 400; shell: gelatin, glycerol.
- Appearance: translucent beige vaginal capsule.
- Pack: PVC/PVDC/Al blister with 6 capsules in a carton.
- Marketing authorisation holder: Laboratoire Innotech International Representative Office Belgrade; manufacturer: Innothera Chouzy, France. Authorisation number: 000457695 2023 of 19 December 2024.
Storage
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Store below 25 °C.
- Do not use after the expiry date; return unused medicine to a pharmacy.
Frequently asked questions
How long does protection last after inserting a Pharmatex capsule?
According to the leaflet, protection lasts 4 hours. The capsule is inserted deep into the vagina 10 minutes before intercourse, and a new capsule is needed for each repeated intercourse.
Why must I not use soap after intercourse?
Soap destroys the active substance. Washing the intimate area with soap should therefore be avoided 2 hours before and 2 hours after intercourse; only external washing with clean water is allowed, and rinsing with water only after at least 2 hours.
Can I use Pharmatex with a condom?
Yes, a condom can be used with Pharmatex for greater protection and is the only method that protects against sexually transmitted infections. Only polyurethane male condoms are contraindicated – check the condom material.
Can Pharmatex be used while breastfeeding?
Yes. The leaflet states that the medicine can be used while breastfeeding, and the period after childbirth and breastfeeding are situations in which local contraception is particularly suitable.
Related information
For additional care and support with contraception, see also the Condoms category – products in this category do not replace the medicine you have been prescribed.
Sources
- ALIMS – Patient Information Leaflet Pharmatex 18.9 mg vaginal capsules (December 2024, in Serbian)
- ALIMS – Summary of Product Characteristics Pharmatex 18.9 mg vaginal capsules (in Serbian)
Sources checked on: 23 October 2026.
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