Generic Name: miconazole
Brand Names: Monistat, Micatin, M-Zole
Drug Class: Antifungals, Topical
What is miconazole, and what is it used for?
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 vaginal yeast infections, ringworm, athlete's foot, and severe fungal infections. Miconazole was approved by the FDA in 1974.
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 interact with miconazole?
- There are no known drug interactions with vaginal or topical miconazole.
Pregnancy and 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).
Summary
Miconazole is an antifungal drug used either topically or vaginally to treat vaginal yeast infections, ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, and several other fungal infections of the skin. Side effects of miconazole include irritation, burning, rash, and itching. Consult your doctor before taking miconazole if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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Fungal Skin Infections: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
Fungal skin infections and fungal nail infections produce symptoms like red, itchy, circular rashes and thick, discolored, flaky...
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What is ringworm? How do you get rid of ringworm? View ringworm pictures on the scalp and body and learn about ringworm...
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Ringworm infection on a 51-year-old woman's skin. Ringworm (tinea) is a disease caused by a fungal infection of the skin. It can...
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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.
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Ringworm
The term "ringworm" refers to a fungal infection 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. The different types of ringworm include the following: tinea barbae, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, tinea manus, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium.
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Vaginal Yeast Infection
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Yeast Infection vs. Diaper Rash in Infants, Toddlers, and Children
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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.
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Yeast infections vs. STDs in Men and Women
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Is a Yeast Infection Contagious?
Yeast is a fungus 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.
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What Are the 4 Types of Fungal Infection?
The 4 most common types of fungal infections include athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, and genital candidiasis.
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Oral Thrush in Children
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida. Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth and throat. Oral thrush and yeast infections are treated orally or topically with an antifungal antibiotic called nystatin.
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What Is the Fastest Way To Get Rid of a Yeast Infection?
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Is Ringworm Contagious?
A fungus causes ringworm. Ringworm can be transmitted from person to person. Animals may also spread ringworm. Ringworm causes an itchy, ring-shaped red rash with hair loss. Treatment incorporates the use of topical medication.
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How Do You Get Rid of Athlete's Foot Fast?
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Why Do I Keep Getting Athlete's Foot?
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How Do You Get Rid of a Yeast Infection In Your Mouth (Oral Thrush, Candidiasis)?
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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.
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What Happens if You Don't Treat a Yeast Infection?
Yeast infections are contagious. They can be transmitted through sexual contact. Those with weak immunity have a high risk of the infection. Yeast infections can be vaginal (candidiasis), oral (thrush) or penile. Untreated yeast infections may spread to other areas, cause symptoms or pass to others.
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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.
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What Is the Main Cause of a Yeast Infection?
Yeast infections are mainly caused by yeast-like fungus named Candida or Monilia. Yeast infections may affect the skin, mouth or vagina. Your doctor will use different methods of testing yeast infections depending on the area of your infection or symptoms.
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Are Ringworm and Candida the same?
Ringworm and Candida are not the same. While they are both fungal infections, they are caused by different types of fungi, and affect different parts of the body.
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Yeast Infection vs. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Candida albicans typically causes vaginal yeast infections. Bacterial infections typically cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). Thick white cottage-cheese like vaginal discharge characterizes vaginal yeast infections. Painful, frequent urination characterize urinary tract infections. Antifungal medications treat yeast infections while prescription antibiotics treat UTIs.
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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.
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What Conditions Can Be Mistaken for a Yeast Infection?
Around 75% of women experience at least one yeast infection at some point in their lives. Conditions that can be mistaken for a yeast infection include STDs, bacterial vaginosis, skin conditions, and UTIs.
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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.
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What's the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Athlete's Foot?
Learn what causes athlete's foot, how to treat it, and how to prevent it from coming back.
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How Do You Treat Ringworm on the Scalp?
Ringworm is contagious and the fungus that causes it can affect your skin in different places on your body. Learn what medical treatments can help ease your ringworm on the scalp symptoms and speed up your recovery.
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How Serious Is A Yeast Infection During Pregnancy?
A yeast infection, also referred to as vaginal candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by a type of fungus called candida. Even though a yeast infection is not a threat to you and your child, it can cause you extreme discomfort.
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How Can I Treat a Yeast Infection While Pregnant?
Vaginal yeast infections are fungal infections that cause irritation and vaginal discharge. You can treat a vaginal yeast infection while pregnant with vaginal creams or suppositories, non-prescription medications, or medications that have been proven safe and effective in pregnant women.
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How to Get Rid of Ringworm?
Ringworms can be caused by over 40 different types of fungi, some of which are Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton. Ringworm is a fungal infection that appears on the skin, anywhere over the body. It's usually characterized by a red, circular rash and the center of the rash usually appears clear.
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Nummular Eczema vs. Ringworm: Differences
Nummular eczema is also known as discoid eczema or nummular dermatitis. Ringworm is a common skin infection also known as dermatophytosis, dermatophyte infection, or tinea corporis.
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How Do I Check Myself for a Yeast Infection?
If you suspect you have a vaginal yeast infection, you may try an at-home vaginal pH test; however, this test will only help you rule out other infections.
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Can I Have COVID-19 and Fungal Infection at the Same Time?
One of those challenges is that bacterial and fungal infections can occur alongside COVID-19, especially in people whose cases are severe enough to put them in the ICU or who have existing comorbidities like diabetes or HIV.
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Is Clotrimazole Good for Fungal Infection?
Clotrimazole can be used to treat fungal skin infections and is typically applied topically. Learn about how to use clotrimazole as well as precautions and potential side effects. Check out the center below for more medical references on fungal skin infections, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related diseases, treatment, diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.
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What Causes Ringworm?
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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.