What is this medicine?
MICONAZOLE (mi KON a zole) is an antifungal medicine. It is used to treat yeast infections of the vagina.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- stomach pain
- vaginal pain or swelling
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- headache
- vaginal irritation, itching or burning
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for use in the vagina. It may also be applied to the external areas of skin around the vagina to decrease itching and discomfort. Do not take by mouth. Read package directions carefully before using. Wash hands before and after use. Use this medicine at bedtime, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop using this medicine except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children under 13 years old.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
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What may interact with this medicine?
- spermicides
- warfarin
Do not use any other vaginal products without telling your doctor or health care professional.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.Back to Top
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better within 3 days or if they last longer than 7 days.
It is better not to have sex until you have finished your treatment. This medicine may damage condoms or diaphragms and cause them not to work properly. It may also decrease the effect of vaginal spermicides. Do not rely on any of these methods to prevent sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy while you are using this medicine.
Vaginal medicines usually will come out of the vagina during treatment. To keep the medicine from getting on your clothing, wear a mini-pad or sanitary napkin. The use of tampons is not recommended since they may soak up the medicine. To help clear up the infection, wear freshly washed cotton, not synthetic, underwear.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- abdominal, back or shoulder pain
- diabetes
- fever or chills
- foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- HIV or AIDS
- immune system problems
- nausea, vomiting
- vaginal itching or discomfort for the first time
- an unusual or allergic reaction to miconazole, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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