Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, and Potassium Bitartrate Vaginal Contraceptive

The combination of lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate is used to prevent pregnancy when used just before vaginal sex in women who can become pregnant. It does not prevent pregnancy when used after vaginal sex. The combination of lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate is in a class of medications called non-hormonal contraceptives. It works by lowering the pH of the vagina and reducing sperm motility. Lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate may prevent pregnancy, but this medication will not prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

The combination of lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate comes as a gel in a pre-filled applicator to be applied into the vagina. It is usually applied into the vagina immediately before (up to one hour) before each act of vaginal intercourse. If more than one act of vaginal intercourse occurs within one hour, apply another dose into the vagina. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Do not apply more or less of it or apply it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate vaginal gel may be used at any time during the menstrual cycle. It may be used with hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, or implants); latex, polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms; or a vaginal diaphragm. Do not use this medication along with a contraceptive vaginal ring.

Lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate vaginal gel may be applied after your doctor has told you that it is safe to resume vaginal intercourse after childbirth, abortion, or miscarriage.

To use the lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate vaginal gel, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water before opening the foil pouch.
2. Remove the pre-filled applicator and plunger rod from the foil pouch.
3. Slowly insert the plunger rod into the pre-filled applicator. Push until you feel the tip of the plunger rod connect to the inside of the pre-filled applicator.
4. Do not push hard or continue to push after the tip of the plunger rod connects to the inside of the pre-filled applicator as it could cause the gel to go into the pink cap. Use a new pre-filled applicator if the gel enters the pink cap.
5. After the plunger rod is connected to the pre-filled applicator, remove the pink cap from the pre-filled applicator. The extra space between the gel and the end of the pre-filled applicator is normal.
6. Hold the pre-filled applicator at the grooved area closest to the plunger rod. Gently insert the pre-filled applicator into the vagina as far as it will comfortably go while you continue to hold the plunger rod. You can do this while sitting with your knees apart, lying on your back with your knees bent, or while standing with your feet apart or knees bent.
7. While the pre-filled applicator is inserted in your vagina, use your index finger to push the plunger rod down until it stops to ensure that you receive the entire dose. It is normal for a small amount of gel to be left in the applicator.
8. Gently remove the plunger rod and pre-filled applicator from the vagina. Discard the used pre-filled applicator and cap in the trash.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.