POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL MONO-4-NONYLPHENYL ETHER

Toxicity

The major drawback of nonoxynol-9 is its detergent-type action on epithelial cells and the normal vaginal flora. Detergent-type spermicides alter the vaginal flora, possibly leading to an increased risk of opportunistic infections. These are known to enhance the susceptibility of the epithelium of the lower genital tract to HIV and human papillomavirus infection. N-9 can cause vaginal irritation and allergic vaginitis as well as genital irritation in male partners.

Description

The general formula of nonoxynols is C9H19C6H4(OCH2CH2)nOH. Each nonoxynol is characterized by the number (n) of ethylene oxide repeated in the chain. They are present in detergents, liquid soaps, emulsifiers for creams, fabric softeners, photo graphie paper additives, hair dyes, lubricating oils, spermicides and anti-infective agents. They are irritants and sensitizers.

Chemical properties

Clear, colourless or light yellow, viscous liquid.

Originator

Ortho-Delfen ,Cilag,France,1971

The Uses of POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL MONO-4-NONYLPHENYL ETHER

spermatocide, contraceptive

The Uses of POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL MONO-4-NONYLPHENYL ETHER

Nonoxynol-6 was reported as a sensitizing agent in an industrial hand cleanser and in a crackindicating fluid used in ilie metal industry. Nonoxynol- 9 is most commonly used as a preservative in topical antiseptics or in spermicides. Nonoxynol-10 was reported as a UV-B photosensitizer. Nonoxynol-12 (nonylphenol ethoxylate) caused contact dermatitis in a domestic cleaner who used a polish containing it.

What are the applications of Application

Nonoxynol, n=9 is a polyoxynol nonylpheyl

Indications

Nonoxynol 9 is a surfactant spermicide used for contraception in spermicidal creams, jellies, foams, gel, and lubricants. It is also used in conjuction with other methods of contraception, including condoms, cervical caps and diaphragms.

Background

Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) is a typical surfactant used as a vaginal spermicide. Spermicides are locally acting non-hormonal contraceptives. When present in the vagina during intercourse, they immobilize/inactivate/damage and/or kill sperms without eliciting systemic effects. N-9 has been in use for more than 30 years as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug in creams, gels, foams and condom lubricants. It is the most commonly used spermicidal contraceptive in the UK and the USA. In several European countries, spermicides are no longer on the market.

Definition

ChEBI: Tergitol is a poly(ethylene glycol) derivative that is poly(ethylene glycol) in which one of the terminal hydroxy groups has been converted into the corresponding p-nonylphenyl ether. It has a role as a nonionic surfactant. It is a poly(ethylene glycol) derivative and a hydroxypolyether.

Manufacturing Process

220 parts of isononylphenol prepared by condensation of phenol with an olefin mixture obtained by polymerization of propylene and containing essentially isononylenes are caused to react with 0.5 part of caustic alkali powder. The whole is heated to about 130°C to 135°C and the water formed is removed under reduced pressure, while stirring. Thereupon, ethylene oxide is introduced into the melt, while well stirring, during which operation care must be taken, that the temperature of the reaction mass is maintained between 180°C and 200°C. When about 300 parts of ethylene oxide are taken up, the reaction is interrupted. A water-soluble oil is obtained.

brand name

Conceptrol (Ortho Pharmaceutical); Emko (Schering-Plough HealthCare); Gynol II (Ortho Pharmaceutical); Intercept (Ortho Pharmaceutical); Semicid (Whitehall-Robins); Today Sponge (Whitehall-Robins).

Therapeutic Function

Spermatocide (vaginal)

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified

Contact allergens

Their general formula is C9H19C6H4(OCH2CH2)nOH. Each nonoxynol is characterized by the number (n) of ethylene oxide units repeated in the chain; for example, nonoxynol-9, nonoxynol-14. They are present in detergents, liquid soaps, emulsifiers for creams, fabric softeners, photographic paper additives, hair dyes, lubricating oils, spermicides, and antiinfective agents. They are irritants and sensitizers. Nonoxynol-6 was reported as a sensitizing agent in an industrial hand cleanser and in a crack-indicating fluid in the metal industry. Nonoxynol-9 is the most commonly used, as a preservative in topical antiseptics or in spermicides, acting as a iodophor in PVP-iodine solutions. Nonoxynol-10 was reported as a UVB-photosensitizer. Nonoxynol-12 caused contact dermatitis in a domestic cleaner who used a polish containing it.

Safety Profile

Poison by intraperitoneal route. Experimental reproductive effects. Mutation data reported. An active ingredient in contraceptive jelhes, foams, and creams. Combustible when exposed to heat or flames. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also ALCOHOLS.

Metabolism

Not Available