Uses
Topical miconazole is used to treat tinea corporis (ringworm; fungal skin infection that causes a red scaly rash on different parts of the body), tinea cruris (jock itch; fungal infection of the skin in the groin or buttocks), and tinea pedis (athlete’s foot; fungal infection of the skin on the feet and between the toes). Miconazole is in a class of antifungal medications called imidazoles. It works by stopping the growth of fungi that cause infection.
Not all products should be used to treat all of these conditions. Please read the label for each product to select the one to treat your condition.
Side Effects Of Miconazole Topical
Miconazole may cause side effects. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using miconazole topical and call your doctor:
- irritation or burning in the place where you applied the medication
- rash
Miconazole topical may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using topical miconazole:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to miconazole, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in miconazole spray, spray powder, cream, powder, or tincture. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using miconazole topical, call your doctor.
Miconazole Topical Dosage
Topical miconazole comes as a spray, spray powder, cream, powder, and tincture to apply to the skin. It is usually applied twice a day (morning and night). Follow the directions on the package label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use miconazole exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed on the package or as directed by your doctor.
Topical miconazole is only for use on the skin. Do not let miconazole get into your eyes or mouth, and do not swallow the medication. Miconazole does not work on the scalp or nails.
If you are using miconazole to treat jock itch, your symptoms should improve over 2 weeks of treatment. If you are using miconazole topical to treat athlete’s foot or ringworm, your symptoms should improve over 4 weeks of treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve during this time or if your symptoms get worse at any time during your treatment.
Miconazole spray, spray powder, and tincture may catch fire. Do not use these products near heat or an open flame, such as a cigarette.
To use topical miconazole, wash the affected area and dry thoroughly. If you are using the spray or spray powder, shake the can well. Then apply a small amount of spray, spray powder, cream, powder, or tincture to cover the affected area of skin with a thin layer.
If you are treating an athlete’s foot, pay special attention to the spaces between the toes when applying miconazole topical. Also, be sure to wear well-fitting shoes that allow for air circulation, and change shoes and socks at least once a day.
If you are treating jock itch with the powder, do not apply the powder to any open wounds.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about miconazole topical.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
