Miconazole

Miconazole, an antifungal agent, is used for skin infections such as athlete's foot and jock itch and for vaginal yeast infections. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Miconazole comes as a cream, lotion, powder, spray liquid, and spray powder to be applied to the skin. It also comes as a cream and suppository to be inserted into the vagina. Miconazole is usually used once or twice a day for 1 month for athlete's foot or 2 weeks for other skin infections. For vaginal infections, it is used once a day at bedtime for 3 (Monistat-3) or 7 (Monistat-7) days. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use miconazole exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed by your doctor. It probably will take several days for improvement to be seen in skin infections. Apply the topical forms of miconazole sparingly to the infected area after washing and drying the skin thoroughly. The cream and lotion should be rubbed gently into the skin. Wash your hands promptly. If you are using miconazole vaginal cream or suppositories, read the instructions provided with the medication and follow these steps:

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Fill the special applicator that comes with the cream to the level indicated, or unwrap a suppository and place it on the applicator as shown in the instructions.</li>
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Lie on your back with your knees drawn upward and spread apart.</li>
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Gently insert the applicator into the vagina, and push the plunger to release the medication.</li>
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Withdraw the applicator.</li>
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Discard the applicator if it is disposable. If the applicator is reusable, pull it apart and clean it with soap and warm water after each use.</li>
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Wash your hands promptly to avoid spreading the infection.</li></ul> The dose should be applied when you lie down to go to bed. It works best if you do not get up after applying it except to wash your hands. You may wish to wear a sanitary napkin while using the suppositories or vaginal cream to protect your clothing against stains. Do not use a tampon because it will absorb the drug. Do not douche unless your doctor tells you to do so. Continue using miconazole vaginal cream or suppositories even if you get your period during treatment.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Miconazole may cause side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

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increased burning, itching, or irritation of the skin or vagina</li>
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stomach pain</li>
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fever</li>
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foul-smelling vaginal discharge</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before using miconazole, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to miconazole or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.