Comparative vaginal spermicidal studies in the stumptailed macaque with alkyloxynol-741, nonoxynol-9 and chlorhexidine.

Alkyloxynol-741 ("agent 741") is used in the People's Republic of China as a substitute for nonoxynol-9 in vaginal contraceptive formulations. However, no studies are available that compare the effectiveness of these agents as vaginal spermicides. For this reason, dissolvable polyvinylalcohol (PVA) films were prepared containing various concentrations of alkyloxynol-741 and nonoxynol-9. Films were also prepared containing chlorhexidine, a potentially new vaginal contraceptive agent. Postcoital vaginal spermicidal studies were performed with the films in the stumptailed macaque (Macaca arctoides). The order of spermicidal potency was: alkyloxynol-741 greater than nonoxynol-9 greater than chlorhexidine. These observations suggest that alkyloxynol-741 can be used instead of nonoxynol-9 in those countries where alkyloxynol-741 is more readily available and can be obtained at a lower cost.