Medications and Drugs
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: miconazole
BRAND NAME: Monistat; Femizol; Vagistat; M-Zole;
Micatin; Lotrimin
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Miconazole is an anti-fungal
medication related to fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral),
itraconazole (Sporanox), and clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex). It is used either
on the skin or in the vagina for fungal infections. Miconazole was approved by
the FDA in 1974.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes, for some formulations
PRESCRIPTION: no for most formulations; yes (Monistat-Derm)
PREPARATIONS: Vaginal suppositories: 200 mg (Monistat-3), 100 mg
(Monistat-7); Vaginal cream 2% (Monistat-7; Femizol-M); Topical cream 2%
(Monistat; Monistat-Derm). Vaginal suppositories: 100 mg with topical cream 2%
(Monistat 7; M-Zole 7); 200 mg with topical cream 2% (Vagistat; Monistat 3;
M-Zole 3); 1200 mg with topical cream 2% (Monistat 1). Ointment 2% (Tetterine);
Powder 2% (Lotrimin AF); solution 2% (Fungoid Tincture); Liquid Spray 2%
(Lotrimin AF); Gel 2% (Zeasorb-AF)
STORAGE: All formulations should be stored at room temperature, 15-30°C
(59-86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Miconazole is used to treat vaginal infections due to Candida
albicans (yeast) and several fungal infections of the skin, including
tinea
versicolor, tinea pedis ("athlete's foot"), tinea cruris ("jock itch") and tinea
corporis ("ringworm").
DOSING: Miconazole vaginal cream and suppositories are for use only in the
vagina. These products are not to be taken by mouth. The vaginal suppositories
are inserted, one per dose, in an applicator. Alternatively, the tube containing
the vaginal cream is screwed onto the end of a special applicator tube, and the
tube is then squeezed to fill the applicator. The patient then lies on her back
with bent knees, inserts the applicator containing either the suppository or
cream so that the tip of the applicator is high in the vagina, and then pushes
the plunger in to deposit the suppository or cream into the vagina. The
applicator should be washed with warm soap and water after each use.
Miconazole usually is used once daily at bedtime. The 200 mg suppositories
(Monistat 3) are inserted once nightly for 3 nights. The100 mg suppositories
(Monistat-7) and intravaginal cream are inserted once nightly for 7 nights. The
1200 mg formulation (Monistat 1) is applied once for one night.
For fungal skin infections, the topical cream is applied as a thin layer to
cover the affected skin and surrounding area, usually twice daily. The hands
should be washed before and after application.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: There are no known drug interactions with vaginal or
topical miconazole.
PREGNANCY: There is very limited information on the use of miconazole during
pregnancy. The physician must weigh the potential benefits against possible but
unknown risks to the fetus.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if miconazole is secreted in breast milk in
amounts that can affect the infant.
SIDE EFFECTS: Irritation and burning have been reported by patients using
topical or vaginal miconazole.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 4/2/2007
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Yeast Infection - Learn about vaginal yeast infection symptoms like vaginal burning, itching, soreness discharge, and pain during sex and urination. Treatment information is included in the information.
- ketoconazole, Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric - Learn about ketoconazole (Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric), a drug used to treat a variety of fungal infections such as dandruff, jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm.
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