Miconazole, Vaginal

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antifungal

Generic and brand names: miconazole, vaginal; Femizol; M-Zole; Monistat 3; Monistat 7; Monistat Dual-Pak

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used in the vagina to treat a fungal infection.

How do I use it?

Wear a sanitary napkin to protect your clothing, and wear loose-fitting cotton underwear while you are using this medicine. If you use the medicine only once a day, use it at bedtime.

This medicine comes in different forms. If you have the cream form, wash your hands before and after using this medicine. The medicine is in a tube. Take the cap off the tube and screw the applicator onto the tube. Squeeze the medicine into the applicator slowly until the applicator is full. Remove the applicator from the tube. Put the cap back on the tube.

Use the applicator to put the correct amount of medicine into your vagina. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Hold the full applicator in one hand. Put the applicator into your vagina (like you would a tampon) as far as you can. Slowly press the plunger until it stops. Withdraw the applicator. The medicine will be left behind in the vagina.

Wash the applicator with soap and water after every use, rinsing and drying it well.

If you have the suppository form of this medicine, insert it into the vagina at bedtime.

Use this medicine for as long as your health care provider prescribes, even if your infection seems to improve.

Follow the instructions that come in the medicine package. If you do not understand how to use this medicine, ask your health care provider or pharmacist to explain.

What should I watch out for?

Contact your health care provider if you develop diarrhea, burning or irritation of the vagina, or a lot of vaginal discharge.

Do not get any of the medicine into your eyes because it can be very irritating. If the medicine gets into your eyes, flush them with plenty of cool water.

Sexual intercourse can cause reinfection. However, using condoms during treatment may prevent this. If you have any questions, ask your health care provider.

Use this medicine continuously for as long as prescribed, even during your period.

Do not use other medicines in the vagina unless your health care provider approves.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This medicine is usually not used during the first trimester (first 3 months) of pregnancy. Do not breast-feed while using this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Vaginal irritation, burning, or pain; skin rash; increased vaginal discharge; diarrhea.

Other: Stomach pain, increased urination, bloating, nausea, bad taste, headache, dizziness, constipation, itching.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported for this medicine.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.