Brand Name(s): Monistat-7 Vaginal Suppository
Generic Name Miconazole Vaginal Suppository
What is miconazole vaginal cream or suppositories?
MICONAZOLE (Monistat®) is an antifungal type of antibiotic. As a vaginal cream or suppository, miconazole is used to treat vaginal candidal infections, commonly called yeast infections. These products also relieve the itching and burning symptoms that are sometimes present with these infections. Products are available in 1-day (prescription only), 3-day, or 7-day treatment courses. Generic miconazole vaginal products are available. Some products are available without a prescription. However, if this is the first time you have experienced a yeast infection, you should see a health care professional to make sure you are evaluated. Other vaginal infections can produce similar symptoms to yeast infections and may require different treatment.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•diabetes mellitus
•immunosuppression, recent chemotherapy treatments, or infection with the human immunodeficiency ( HIV) virus
•other chronic health condition
•taking the prescription blood thinning medicine warfarin
•an unusual or allergic reaction to miconazole, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Miconazole vaginal tablets are only for use in the vagina. Miconazole vaginal cream may be used in the vagina and may also be applied to the external areas of skin around the vagina to decrease itching and discomfort. Do not take by mouth.
Wash hands before and after use. Read package directions carefully before using. If using vaginal tablets, insert one tablet in the applicator tip. If using the vaginal cream, screw the applicator onto the end of the tube and squeeze the tube to fill the applicator; remove the applicator from the tube OR, if using individually packaged or filled applicators, remove the outer covering. Lie on your back. Gently insert the applicator tip high in the vagina and push the plunger to release the tablet or cream into the vagina; gently remove the applicator. Wash the applicator well with warm water and soap. Use at regular intervals as directed by the package or your health care professional. Finish the full course of treatment even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using this medicine if your menstrual period starts during the time of treatment.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Vaginal products should not be used without the prescription of a health care professional in girls under 12 years old. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with miconazole?
•spermicides
•warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are using, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using miconazole?
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•vaginal irritation, itching or burning
•pain or difficulty passing urine
What should I watch for while taking miconazole?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days. Do not self-medicate for more than one week. If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, contact your prescriber prior to using non-prescription products; infections during pregnancy require examination by your health care professional.
If you develop abdominal pain, a fever > 100 degrees F, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, contact your prescriber or health care professional. Do not self-treat if you have these symptoms. These symptoms are signs of a more serious infection and you will need examined by a qualified health care professional.
It is better not to have sex until you have finished your treatment. Do not rely on condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps or other 'barrier' devices to prevent pregnancy. Miconazole may damage these devices. Miconazole can also interfere with the proper action of spermicides. This can lead to failure of these methods to prevent pregnancy.
If your partner(s) has itching or redness of the genitals, they should see a health care professional about these symptoms. They may also need evaluation and treatment.
Your clothing may get soiled if you have a vaginal discharge. You can wear a sanitary napkin; do not use tampons. Tampons can absorb miconazole and decrease the efficacy of the medication. If possible, wear freshly washed cotton, not synthetic, panties.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:03/06/2001 |
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