Miconazole 3

Introduction

Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
Medically reviewed by Brittany Duke, PharmD RPh
Updated on September 17, 2023

Miconazole (mi KON a zole) is a generic medication for treating vaginal yeast infections. Miconazole belongs to a group of drugs called antifungals.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved miconazole to treat vaginal yeast infections in adults and some children. Miconazole cream may also help relieve itching and irritation caused by a vaginal yeast infection.

Miconazole cream and vaginal suppository are available over the counter at a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. (You’ll insert the suppository into your vagina.)

Uses of miconazole

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves medications such as miconazole for certain conditions. An approved use for miconazole is described below. Uses may differ based on the form of miconazole you choose.

Use for vaginal yeast infections

Doctors may recommend miconazole vaginal cream or vaginal suppository for treating vaginal yeast infections. (You’ll insert the suppository into your vagina.) It’s also recommended for treating itching and irritation caused by a vaginal yeast infection. It’s recommended for this purpose in adults and children ages 12 years and older. It’s usually a short-term treatment.

With vaginal yeast infections, there’s an overgrowth of a yeast called Candida in the vagina. It is normal to have Candida present in the vagina, but if there is too much, it can cause an infection. This can lead to symptoms such as swelling, irritation, and itching.

Side effects of miconazole

Miconazole may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of miconazole and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about miconazole’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for miconazole listed in the “Resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of miconazole are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of miconazole you choose.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about miconazole’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for miconazole listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Miconazole vaginal suppository’s* mild side effects may include:

• vaginal discharge
• headache
• abdominal cramps
• mild allergic reaction†

Miconazole vaginal cream’s mild side effects include:

• vaginal burning, itching, or irritation
• vaginal discharge
• headache
• abdominal cramps
• mild allergic reaction†

* You’ll insert the suppository into your vagina.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for miconazole” section.

Serious side effects

A serious side effect of miconazole is listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about miconazole’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for miconazole listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, miconazole’s serious side effects may include severe allergic reaction.*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for miconazole” section.

Interactions and warnings for miconazole

Below, you’ll find information about miconazole’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of miconazole

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or using the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you use miconazole, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for miconazole” section below.

Warnings for miconazole

Some people should not use miconazole, and others should use it cautiously.

Miconazole could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether miconazole is a safe option for you.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for miconazole, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Miconazole can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to miconazole or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely recommend that you do not use miconazole. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to miconazole, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of miconazole

If you use miconazole, you should not use more than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve used too much miconazole, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and miconazole

Information about miconazole and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Miconazole and pregnancy

In general, miconazole is considered safe during pregnancy. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.

Miconazole and breastfeeding

In general, miconazole is considered safe while breastfeeding. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.

Common questions about miconazole

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about miconazole.

Is miconazole similar to clotrimazole?

Yes, miconazole and clotrimazole are similar.

Clotrimazole and miconazole are both available over the counter without a doctor’s prescription. Both miconazole and clotrimazole are antifungal drugs that are usually short-term treatments. But they treat different fungal infections.

Miconazole treats vaginal yeast infections, while clotrimazole treats yeast infections of the skin. Clotrimazole may also be prescribed for treating tinea versicolor, a type of fungal skin infection that causes lighter or darker spots on your skin.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to know more about how miconazole and clotrimazole compare.

How does miconazole work? And how long does it take to start working?

Miconazole is a type of drug called an antifungal. It works by blocking the growth of Candida, which is a type of fungus that can cause a yeast infection if there is too much of it in the vagina.

Miconazole usually starts working soon after you start using it. In most cases, your symptoms should start easing within 3 days of starting it. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms are not better after 3 days or they get worse.

If you’d like to know more about how miconazole works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What to ask your doctor

Let your doctor know if you have questions about miconazole or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Should I choose a specific form of miconazole, or will either form work to treat my yeast infection?
• How long should I use miconazole?
• If my symptoms don’t go away after a few days, should I keep using miconazole, or should I call you?
• Is there anything I should avoid while using miconazole?
• How does miconazole compare with other treatments for my infection?

Resources

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Miconazole | clotrimazole. (2021). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582846/
• Miconazole nitrate. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/f562b57d-65a8-93fa-e053-2995a90ae3e0/spl-doc
• Miconazole nitrate, vaginal suppositories USP, 100 mg. (2012). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/0e4c7ff6-7bea-4257-bd95-d4d5298ae426/spl-doc
• Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). (2021) https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/candidiasis.htm

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.