- What is miconazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What are the uses for miconazole?
- What are the side effects of miconazole?
- What is the dosage for miconazole?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with miconazole?
- Is miconazole safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about miconazole?
What is miconazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Miconazole is an antifungal medication related to fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex). It is used either on the skin or vaginally for fungal infections. Miconazole was approved by the FDA in 1974.
What brand names are available for miconazole?
Monistat, M-Zole, Micatin
Is miconazole available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for miconazole?
Yes, but not for some formulations
What are the uses for miconazole?
Miconazole is an antifungal drug prescribed for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections, ringworm, athlete's foot, and severe fungal infections.
What are the side effects of miconazole?
Irritation, burning, rash and itching have been reported by patients using topical or vaginal miconazole.
What is the dosage for miconazole?
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. The 100 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 once or twice daily for 2-4 weeks. The hands should be washed before and after application.

QUESTION
The vagina includes the labia, clitoris, and uterus. See AnswerWhich drugs or supplements interact with miconazole?
There are no known drug interactions with vaginal or topical miconazole.
Is miconazole safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
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.
It is not known if miconazole is secreted in breast milk in amounts that can affect the infant.
What else should I know about miconazole?
What preparations of miconazole are available?
Preparations are as follows:
- Vaginal suppositories: 100 and 200 mg;
- Vaginal cream: 2 and 4%;
- Topical cream, aerosol powder, spray or tincture: 2%.
- Combination Packs: 100, 200, or 1200 mg suppository plus 2% vaginal cream.
How should I keep miconazole stored?
All formulations should be stored at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F TO 86 F).
Latest Women's Health News
Summary
Miconazole (Monistat, Micatin, M-Zole) is an antifungal drug used to treat vaginal yeast infections, ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, and several other fungal infections of the skin. Review side effects, warnings, drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy safety information prior to using this medication.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Yeast Infection Quiz: Symptoms & Treatment
How much do you know about vaginal yeast infections? Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments of a yeast infection with the...
-
Picture of Folliculitis
An infection of the hair follicles of the skin. See a picture of Folliculitis and learn more about the health topic.
-
Picture of Athlete's Foot 2
Athlete's foot is a fungus that causes itching, redness, and cracking. See a picture of Athlete's Foot and learn more about the...
-
Picture of Types of Ringworm
Ringworm is a common skin disorder otherwise known as tinea. See a picture of Types of Ringworm and learn more about the health...
-
Picture of Athlete's Foot 1
Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus that grows on or in the top layer of skin. See a picture of Athlete's Foot and learn more...
Related Disease Conditions
-
Jock Itch
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.
-
Athlete's Foot
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.
-
Ringworm on Body
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.
-
Vaginal Yeast Infection in Women
Vaginal yeast infections in women are caused by an organism called Candida albicans. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include vaginal pain with urination, vaginal discharge, odor, and itching. Treatment is generally OTC medications. A man can contract a yeast infection from his female sexual partner. Symptoms of a yeast infection in men include penile itching. Treatment is with oral or topical medication.
-
Yeast infections vs. STDs in Men and Women
-
Dandruff (Seborrhea)
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.
-
Is a Yeast Infection Contagious?
Yeast are a fungi that has many types. A type of yeast that can cause infection in humans is called Candida. Candida can infect the mouth, vagina, penis, or other areas of the body. Symptoms of yeast infections depend on the area infected, however, may include itching, bumps on the skin, a reddish rash, or patches of skin that ooze a clear or yellow liquid. Most yeast infections are not contagious even though they are caused by a fungus.
-
Tinea Versicolor
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.
-
Ringworm vs. Eczema
While ringworm is a fungal infection, and eczema is a skin condition, both are characterized by itchiness. Eczema patches are leathery while ringworm involves ring formation on the skin. Over-the-counter antifungals treat ringworm. Topical creams and ointments treat eczema.
-
Diaper Rash
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.
-
Yeast Infection vs. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV) both cause vaginal discharge. Yeast infection discharge is thick, white, and had a cottage cheese consistency. BV discharge is whitish-gray and is thinner. Vaginal odor, irritation, and pain may also be present. Treatment of yeast infections includes over-the-counter and prescription antifungals. BV treatment involves antibiotics.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Yeast Infection FAQs
- Drugs: Buying Prescription Drugs Online Safely
- How To Reduce Your Medication Costs
- Pharmacy Visit, How To Get The Most Out of Your Visit
- Indications for Drugs: Approved vs. Non-approved
- Drugs: The Most Common Medication Errors
- Medication Disposal
- Dangers of Mixing Medications
- Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand-Names?
Medications & Supplements
- Diflucan (fluconazole)
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Drug Interactions
- clotrimazole, Lotrimin AF, Gyne-Lotrimin, Alevazol, Desenex, Pro-Ex Antifungal
- Metronidazole vs. Miconazole
- Ketoconazole Cream (Nizoral) vs. Miconazole (Monistat)
- itraconazole, Sporanox
- ketoconazole, Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric
- Side Effects of Monistat (miconazole)
Prevention & Wellness
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

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.