Miconazole belongs to the class of medications called antifungals. It is used to treat vaginal yeast infections. Miconazole works by killing the overgrowth of yeast that is causing the infection.

Relief of symptoms should begin within 3 days, and complete relief should occur within 7 days.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Miconazole vaginal cream, ovules, or suppositories should be inserted high into the vagina once daily using the applicator(s) provided for 1, 3, or 7 days, depending on the specific product being used.

A thin layer of the topical cream or vaginal cream can be applied to the vaginal area for relief of external symptoms 1 to 2 times daily as needed, as long as symptoms persist, for up to 7 days.

Continue treatment with miconazole even if you are menstruating. Do not use douches or vaginal spermicides while using miconazole. Do not use tampons during treatment or for 7 days following treatment.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. Continue to use this medication for as long as directed by your doctor or pharmacist, even if you start to feel better.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C, avoid freezing, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Monistat 1 Combination Pack

Each ovule contains miconazole nitrate 1,200 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, glycerin, mineral oil, sodium ethylparaben, sodium propylparaben, titanium dioxide and white petrolatum. Each gram of external white, water-miscible cream contains miconazole nitrate 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzoic acid, cetyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, polysorbate 60, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, purified water, and stearyl alcohol.

Monistat 1 Vaginal Ovule

Each ovule contains miconazole nitrate 1,200 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, glycerin, mineral oil, sodium ethylparaben, sodium propylparaben, titanium dioxide, and white petrolatum.

Monistat 3 Dual-Pak

Each ovule contains miconazole nitrate 400 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, glycerin, mineral oil, sodium ethylparaben, sodium propylparaben, titanium dioxide, and white petrolatum. Each gram of external white, water-miscible cream contains miconazole nitrate 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzoic acid, cetyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, polysorbate 60, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, purified water, and stearyl alcohol.

Monistat 3 Vaginal Cream

Each gram of white, water-miscible cream contains miconazole nitrate 40 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzoic acid, cetyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, polysorbate 60, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, purified water, and stearyl alcohol.

Monistat 3 Vaginal Ovules

Each ovule contains miconazole nitrate 400 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, glycerin, mineral oil, sodium ethylparaben, sodium propylparaben, titanium dioxide, and white petrolatum.

Monistat 7 Dual-Pak

Each suppository contains miconazole nitrate 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydrogenated vegetable oil base. Each gram of external cream contains miconazole nitrate 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzoic acid, cetyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, polysorbate 60, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, purified water, and stearyl alcohol.

Monistat 7 Vaginal Cream

Each gram of white, water-miscible cream contains miconazole nitrate 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzoic acid, cetyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, polysorbate 60, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, purified water, and stearyl alcohol.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to miconazole or any ingredients of the medication.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• headache
• vaginal or genital redness, itching, or irritation

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abdominal cramps
• burning sensation or blisters
• hives
• skin rash

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Birth control: Miconazole may reduce the effectiveness of latex condoms, diaphragms, and vaginal spermicides. The use of alternative forms of birth control while using this medication is recommended.

First-time users: If this is your first time experiencing a vaginal yeast infection, you should see your doctor before using miconazole so that your condition can be properly diagnosed.

For external use only: Miconazole vaginal cream, ovules/suppositories, and topical or external cream are for vaginal and external use only. Do not take these medications by mouth.

Other medical conditions: If you have a fever, abdominal pain, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, your symptoms may be due to a more serious condition other than a yeast infection. Talk to your doctor immediately and do not use miconazole.

If you do not see any improvement in your symptoms in 3 days, they do not disappear in 7 days, or they worsen, your symptoms may be due to a condition other than a yeast infection. Stop using this medication and see your doctor immediately.

If you have multiple sexual partners or change partners often, see your doctor before using this medication.

Repeat infections: If you have frequent vaginal yeast infections or if your yeast infection returns in less than 2 months, see your doctor before using this medication again.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless recommended by your doctor. If your doctor recommends this medication, be careful using the vaginal applicator or insert the ovule with your finger.

Breast-feeding: : It is not known if miconazole passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding, do not use miconazole unless recommended by your doctor.

Children: Miconazole should not be used by children less than 12 years of age, unless recommended by a doctor.

There may be an interaction between miconazole and any of the following:

• progesterone
• warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.