Lactic acid/citric acid/potassium bitartrate explained

Type:	combo
Component1:	Lactic acid
Class1:	Alpha hydroxy acid
Component2:	Citric acid
Class2:	Tricarboxylic acid
Component3:	Potassium bitartrate
Class3:	Sugar acid salt
Tradename:	Phexxi
Dailymedid:	Phexxi
Routes Of Administration:	Intravaginal
Atc Prefix:	None
Legal Us:	Rx-only
Legal Us Comment:	^[1]
Kegg:	D12498

Lactic acid/citric acid/potassium bitartrate, sold under the brand name Phexxi, is a non-hormonal combination medication used as a method of birth control. It contains lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate. It is a gel inserted into the vagina.^[2]

The most common adverse reactions include vulvovaginal burning sensation, vulvovaginal pruritus, vulvovaginal mycotic infection, urinary tract infection, vulvovaginal discomfort, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal discharge, genital discomfort, dysuria, and vulvovaginal pain.^[3]

Medical uses

The combination is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential for use as an on-demand method of contraception.

History

The combination was approved for medical use in the United States in May 2020.^[4] ^[5]

Notes and References

Web site: Phexxi- lactic acid, l-, citric acid monohydrate, and potassium bitartrate gel . DailyMed . 13 February 2022.
Steinberg J, Lynch SE . Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, and Potassium Bitartrate (Phexxi) Vaginal Gel for Contraception . American Family Physician . 103 . 10 . 628–629 . May 2021 . 33982994 .
U.S. FDA Approves Evofem Biosciences' Phexxi (lactic acid, citric acid and potassium bitartrate), the First and Only Non-Hormonal Prescription Gel for the Prevention of Pregnancy . Evofem Biosciences . PR Newswire . 22 May 2020 . 22 May 2020.
Web site: Phexxi: FDA-Approved Drugs . U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) . 23 May 2020.
Web site: Drug Approval Package: Phexxi . U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) . 3 November 2020 . 13 February 2022.