Vaginal sponges

Kafka, D., and Gold, R. B. (1983), Food and Drug Administration approves vaginal sponge, Fam. Plann. Perspect., 15,146-148. 

In a study of the efficacy and acceptabihty of benzalkonium chloride-containing contraceptives (vaginal sponges, pessaries, and creams) in 56 women, one developed an allergic reaction with edema of the vulva (4). Non-allergic local irritation, itching, and a burning sensation were reported in nine women and nine husbands. 

Clinical trials (60,61) have shown that TRA can be safely delivered topically using the cervical cap and collagen device. In these studies the TPA was applied as a cream to the sponge, which was then inserted into the vaginal vault. A new device was used daily for up to 4 days. Systemic effects were minimal, and local toxicity was dose-related and acceptable. 

The vaginal contraceptive sponge (Today) contains 1 g of nonoxynol-9 and provides protection for 24 hours. After intercourse, the sponge must be left in place for at least 6 hours before removal, ft is available without a prescription. 

Sponges Progesterone, estradiol, and several progestins Polyurethane Polymeric devices impregnated with active substance(s), usually cylindrical shaped alternative designs allow achieving zero-order release profile Variable vaginal retention inexpensive and simple to prepare... 

Contraceptive sponges are controversial do they act by delivering spermicides or as barriers However, it has been shown conclusively that the newest forms of sponges, which provide not one but a combination of three active spermicides, act much more like spermicides than as simple vaginal barriers. 

Toxic shock syndrome has also been described in association with use of a vaginal contraceptive sponge vaginal cultures grew S. aureus (10). 

Faich G, Pearson K, Fleming D, Sobel S, Anello C. Toxic shock syndrome and the vaginal contraceptive sponge. JAMA 1986 255(2) 216-18. 

Spermicide—A substance (nonoxynol-9 in the United States) placed in the vagina to inhibit the activity of sperm, thus reducing the risk of pregnancy available as vaginal creams, films, foams, gels, suppositories, sponges, and tablets. 

Rossi, S., Marciello, M., Ferrari, F., et al., 2012. Development of sponge-like dressings for mucosal/transmucosal drug delivery into vaginal cavity. Pharm. Dev. Technol. 17, 219-226. 

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