Uses
Vaginal miconazole is used to treat vaginal yeast infections in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Miconazole is in a class of antifungal medications called imidazoles. It works by stopping the growth of fungi that cause infection.
Side Effects Of Miconazole Vaginal
Miconazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- increased burning, itching, or irritation of the vagina
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using miconazole and call your doctor immediately:
- hives
- rash
Warnings & Precautions
Before using vaginal miconazole:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to miconazole, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in miconazole external cream, vaginal cream, or suppositories. 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. Be sure to mention the following: warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have lower stomach, back, or shoulder pain. fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge; been exposed to or have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); or have had frequent vaginal yeast infections (once a month or 3 or more infections in 6 months).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using miconazole, call your doctor.
- you should know that condoms and diaphragms may be weakened if they are used during your treatment with vaginal miconazole. Because of this, these devices may not be effective at preventing pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases if you use them during your treatment.
Dosage Of Miconazole Vaginal
Vaginal miconazole comes as a cream or suppository to be inserted into the vagina. The cream may also be applied to the skin around the outside of the vagina. The suppositories are used as a one-time dose (Monistat 1) or once a day at bedtime for 3 days in a row (Monistat 3). The vaginal cream is used once a day at bedtime for 7 days in a row (Monistat 7). The cream is used twice a day for up to 7 days, on the skin around the outside of the vagina. Follow the directions on the package or as directed by your doctor 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 prescribed by your doctor.
Vaginal miconazole is available without a prescription (over-the-counter). If this is the first time you have had vaginal itching and discomfort, talk to a doctor before using miconazole. If a doctor has told you before that you had a yeast infection and you have the same symptoms again, use the vaginal cream or suppositories as directed on the package.
Do not have vaginal intercourse or use other vaginal products (such as tampons, douches, or spermicides) during your treatment.
You should begin to feel better during the first three days of treatment with miconazole. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.
To apply the external miconazole cream, use your finger to apply a small amount of cream to the affected area of skin on the outside of the vagina.
To use the miconazole vaginal cream or suppositories, read the instructions provided with the medication and follow these steps:
- Fill the special applicator that comes with the cream to the level indicated, or unwrap a suppository and place it on the applicator as shown in the instructions.
- Lie on your back with your knees drawn upward and spread apart or standing with your feet far apart and knees bent.
- Gently insert the applicator into the vagina, and push the plunger to release the medication.
- Withdraw the applicator.
- Discard the applicator if it is disposable. If the applicator is reusable, pull it apart and clean it with soap and warm water after each use.
- Wash your hands promptly to avoid spreading the infection.
- The dose should be applied when you lie down to go to bed. It works best if you do not get up after applying it except to wash your hands. You may wish to wear a sanitary napkin while using the suppositories or vaginal cream to protect your clothing against stains. Continue using miconazole vaginal cream or suppositories even if you get your period during treatment.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about miconazole.
If you still have symptoms of infection 7 days after starting treatment with miconazole, call your doctor.
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.
