Miconazole
Description
Miconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal medicine used in the treatment of infections caused by fungi in the mouth, various fungal infections of the skin like athlete's foot (a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes), jock itch (a fungal infection that causes a red and itchy rash in warm and moist areas of the body), ringworm infections (a highly contagious fungal infection of the skin or scalp), and vaginal yeast infections (a yeast infection of the vagina and tissues at the opening of the vagina). It kills and stops the growth of fungi by damaging their cell wall, thereby killing them.
Miconazole is used to treat fungal infection and prevents it from further spreading. Its topical forms (gel, cream, ointment, spray powder, tincture, soap and lotion) are used to treat fungal infections of the skin like ringworm and athlete's foot. Miconazole oral forms are used to treat yeast infections inside the mouth as oral thrush (also called as oral candidiasis; Oral thrush produces slightly raised, creamy white, sore patches in your mouth or on your tongue). It also comes as a cream and a suppository dosage form (ovule) to treat fungal infections of the vagina.
Miconazole may cause mild side effects like itching, burning sensation, irritation, and redness at the site of application. Consult your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen. Do not use Miconazole if you are allergic to it.
Miconazole topical forms should be used uniformly in and around the affected area. Clean and pat dry the affected area before using this medicine. Do not cover the affected area with a bandage or cloth unless directed by your doctor. Its topical forms are only for external use, so avoid direct contact with eyes, nose, or mouth. If accidental exposure occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
Miconazole may not be suitable for all people, inform your doctor if you have liver problems before using this medicine. Do not use in more amounts than prescribed as an overdose of this medicine may cause increased side effects. It is not likely to react with other medicines, but it is advised that you inform your doctor of all other medicines you are taking before starting this medicine.
Miconazole may take a few days or weeks to improve your condition. Therefore, it is advised you complete the whole treatment with this medicine as prescribed. Inform your doctor if the condition has not improved even after six weeks of treatment. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding before using this medicine.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Miconazole
- Body pain
- Difficulty in breathing
- Fever or chills
- Headache
- Black or tarry stools
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Change in taste
Uses of Miconazole
What is it prescribed for?
- Oral thrush
- Vaginal candidiasis
- Skin fungal infections
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for Miconazole to show its action is varies depending on the dosage form.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Miconazole remains active in the body is not known.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendencies were reported for Miconazole.
- Usage in pregnancy?Miconazole is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Miconazole is generally safe to use during breastfeeding due to the least harmful effects on the baby. Consult with your doctor before using this medicine. Use topical forms of this medicine with caution as your baby should not come into contact with this medicine.
Allergy
Miconazole is not recommended for use if you have a known allergy to this medicine and an allergy to milk protein. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of serious allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulties, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Miconazole is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Miconazole is generally safe to use during breastfeeding due to the least harmful effects on the baby. Consult with your doctor before using this medicine. Use topical forms of this medicine with caution as your baby should not come into contact with this medicine.
General warnings
Liver injury
Miconazole may not be broken down and excreted normally if you have liver problems. This may lead to increased liver enzyme levels and liver damage. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your liver function at the initial stage of treatment.
Use in children
Miconazole is not recommended for use in children below the age of 16 as the data regarding its safety and efficacy in this age group is not available.
Missed Dose
Do not skip any dose of Miconazole. If you forget to take/apply a dose of this medicine, take/apply it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Never use more than the prescribed dose of Miconazole. If you suspect that you might have used an overdose of this medicine, seek immediate medical attention.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Alprazolam
Antidiabetic drugs
Atorvastatin
Ergot alkaloids
Phenytoin
Blood thinners
Disease interactions
Liver diseases
Miconazole should be used with caution if you have liver problems as it can increase the risk of serious side effects and worsen your condition. Any symptoms of rash, discolouration of eyes and skin, abdominal pain should be reported to your doctor on priority.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral forms: Miconazole should be taken as instructed by your doctor. To ensure complete recovery and no relapse, the full course of treatment should be completed. It is more effective if used at the same time every day. Any instance of side effects should be reported to the doctor immediately.
Topical dosage forms: (Cream, Gel, Lotion, Ointment, Dusting powder): Miconazole is an external preparation. Avoid contact with the mouth, eyes, nose, and, ears. In case of accidental contact, wash thoroughly with water.
Follow all dosing instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert. Do not use this medicine for durations shorter or longer than recommended by your doctor.
Apply a thin layer of Miconazole to the affected area as instructed by the doctor.
It may take several days to see the effects of Miconazole. Finish the entire course of treatment even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days.
Avoid scratching or pricking the affected area as it can worsen the infection. Ensure that unused medicine is disposed of properly. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets. Do not freeze the medicine.
Ovule: Use it as instructed by your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Miconazole works by stopping the growth of fungi by disrupting the fungal cell wall, eventually killing them.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antifungals
Schedule
Schedule H
Drugs, H., 2021. Miconazole Vaginal: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 24 September 2021].
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2021. Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 24 September 2021].
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Miconazole. [online] Available at: < [Accessed Drugs, H., 2021. Miconazole Vaginal: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601203.html> [Accessed 24 Drugs, H., 2021. Miconazole Vaginal: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601203.html> [Accessed 24 Drugs, H., 2021. Miconazole Vaginal: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601203.html> [Accessed 24 September 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Miconazole Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 24 Drugs, H., 2021. Miconazole Vaginal: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601203.html> [Accessed 24 September 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Miconazole Buccal: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 24 September 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Daktarin 2% Cream - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 24 Drugs, H., 2021. Miconazole Vaginal: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601203.html> [Accessed 24 September 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 20 Oct 2021
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