Terconazole

Introduction

Written by Ashley Wong, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD
Updated on September 13, 2023

Terconazole (ter KONE a zole) is a generic medication prescribed for vaginal yeast infections in adults. Terconazole belongs to a group of drugs called antifungals.

Common questions about terconazole

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

Is it safe to pee after inserting a terconazole vaginal suppository?

Yes, you can pee after inserting a terconazole vaginal suppository. But it’s best to pee before you insert it. Although it’s unlikely, pee might enter the vagina and make the suppository dissolve faster than it should.

If you have more questions about using terconazole vaginal suppository, talk with your doctor.

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

Terconazole works to treat vaginal yeast infections by disrupting how fungi grow. (Yeast is a type of fungus.) The drug stops further growth of the fungi that cause an infection.

Terconazole can start to relieve symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection within a few days. But in severe cases, it can take longer.

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

Is terconazole similar to Monistat?

Yes, in some ways, it’s similar. Monistat and terconazole both treat vaginal yeast infections. While Monistat is available over the counter, terconazole must be prescribed by a doctor.

Monistat is available in numerous forms, such as a vaginal cream, ointment, ovule (insert), and suppository. Terconazole is available only in vaginal cream and vaginal suppository forms.

If you have questions about the treatment that’s right for your condition, talk with your doctor.

Side effects of terconazole

Terconazole may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of terconazole 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 terconazole’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for terconazole in the “Resources” section.

Mild side effects

The lists below present more common mild side effects reported with some forms of terconazole. These side effects may differ based on the form of terconazole you’re prescribed.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about terconazole’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for terconazole 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.

Terconazole vaginal cream’s mild side effects include:

• headache
• body pain
• fever
• chills
• mild allergic reaction*

Terconazole vaginal suppository’s mild side effects include:

• headache
• genital pain
• burning
• body pain
• mild allergic reaction*

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

Serious side effects

The list below presents serious side effects of terconazole. These side effects may differ based on the form of terconazole you use.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about terconazole’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for terconazole 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. But if you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, terconazole’s serious side effects include:

• breathing problems*
• serious skin rash*
• severe allergic reaction†

* This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of the vaginal cream or the vaginal suppositories. But it has occurred in people after the drug was approved for use.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for terconazole” section.

Uses of terconazole

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as terconazole for certain conditions. The approved use for terconazole is described below.

Use for vaginal infections

Doctors may prescribe terconazole vaginal cream or vaginal suppositories for treating a type of vaginal yeast infection. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

With vaginal yeast infections, too much yeast grows in the vagina. A healthy vagina has some bacteria and some yeast. But with too much yeast, you can have symptoms such as itching, burning, and irritation.

Terconazole treats yeast infections by disrupting how fungi grow. (Yeast is a type of fungus.) The drug works against a specific type of fungus. So your doctor may order tests to determine what type of yeast infection you have before prescribing terconazole.

Interactions and warnings for terconazole

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

Interactions of terconazole

Terconazole isn’t known to interact with any medications or supplements. (Interactions can affect how a drug works.) But this doesn’t mean drug interactions with terconazole won’t happen or be reported sometime. For instance, medications created at a later time could interact with terconazole.

You should ask your doctor and pharmacist about possible interactions with terconazole. They can check for any interactions that may affect you, such as those with:

• vaccines
• foods or alcohol
• other drugs

Warnings for terconazole

Terconazole could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether terconazole is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of terconazole you’re prescribed.

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

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

Allergic reaction

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

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to terconazole or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe terconazole. 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 terconazole, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of terconazole

You should not use more terconazole than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve used too much terconazole, 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 terconazole

Information about terconazole and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Terconazole and pregnancy

Terconazole should not be used during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, and it has risks when used during late pregnancy. But having an untreated vaginal yeast infection while pregnant also has risks. (Terconazole is prescribed for treating vaginal yeast infections.)

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about vaginal yeast infection treatment options during pregnancy. You can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options. And together, you can decide whether you should use terconazole during pregnancy.

Terconazole and breastfeeding

Terconazole should not be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with terconazole.

What to ask your doctor

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

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

• How do I insert a terconazole vaginal suppository?
• Is it safe to use tampons when I’m using terconazole cream or vaginal suppository?
• What are alternative medications I can use for my vaginal yeast 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
• Terconazole vaginal cream 0.4%. (2019). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/b922feb5-cd85-4f13-9a18-913e58f8da83/spl-doc
• Terconazole vaginal suppositories 80 mg. (2021). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/38cd1718-6b3c-415d-a17f-7b399adb0ba2/spl-doc
• Vaginal yeast infection (thrush): Overview. (2019). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK543220/
  

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.