Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
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)
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.
Yeast vaginitis is a yeast infection of the vagina. Symptoms include itching, burning, soreness, pain during intercourse and urination, and vaginal discharge. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications.
The term "ringworm" or "ringworms" refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment. Among the different types of ringworm are the following: tinea barbae, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, tinea manus, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium.
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a skin infection caused by the ringworm fungus. Symptoms include itching, burning, cracking, peeling, and bleeding feet. Treatment involves keeping the feet dry and clean, wearing shoes that can breathe, and using medicated powders to keep your feet dry.
Jock itch is an itchy red rash that appears in the groin area. The rash may be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. People with diabetes and those who are obese are more susceptible to developing jock itch. Antifungal shampoos, creams, and pills may be needed to treat fungal jock itch. Bacterial jock itch may be treated with antibacterial soaps and topical and oral antibiotics.
Tinea versicolor is a fungus infection that mainly affects the skin of young people. Recognized by light or reddish brown spots, and areas lighter than the surrounding skin. Tinea versicolor is caused by yeast actually found in our skin. Factors like heat, humidity, and sweat help it proliferate in people, resulting in a rash that is not contagious to others.
Dandruff (seborrhea) is a skin disorder that results from neither too much moisture nor too much oil. Dandruff can be treated with shampoos that contain tar, salicylic acid, zinc, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole.
A diaper rash is a skin irritation that develops in the diaper-covered region. Most diaper rashes are caused by bacterial or yeast infections, though some may be caused by contact dermatitis or allergic reactions to the diapers and wipes. Cleansing with water and soft cloths, followed by application of petroleum jelly or zinc oxide and frequent diaper changes is the best treatment for a diaper rash.
Jock itch is a common, itchy rash of the groin. It can be a very intense itch
with or without a visible red or pink rash in the groin folds and genitals. Jock
itch is primarily a skin condition in men.
The symptoms of jock itch may come and go, and many cases of jock itch resolve
spontaneously without any treatment. Jock itch is primarily seen in the groin,
although it may spread to the inner thighs, genitals (including penis, scrotum,
labia, and vaginal opening), and anus.
While jock itch is frequently noted in otherwise healthy patients, patients
with diabetes and/or obesity are more susceptible. Possible causes of this
common groin itch include irritation from tight or abrasive underwear, excess
moisture, sweating, skin rubbing or friction, allergic problems, fungal
infection, Candida (yeast) infection, and bacterial overgrowth or skin
infection.
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