Have you heard of Miconazole? Yeast infection is usually treated with anti-fungal cream, suppository and tablet and 75% of these over-the-counter yeast infection medications have Miconazole Nitrate as their active ingredient. The generic Miconazole can effectively treat the external growth of yeast. The common brand names for Miconazole are Micatin, Lotrimin and Monistat.
Miconazole Cream
Because of its antifungal property, Miconazole cream is used for treating like athlete’s foot, jock itch or ringworm and vaginal yeast infection. Itching, burning and scaling of the skin can be relieved by Miconazole cream by weakening the fungal membrane which ultimately kills the fungus. Miconazole cream is usually prescribed for vaginal yeast infection. It is applied in the vagina or around the vaginal area on a single-dose daily before bedtime depending on your doctor’s prescription. The most popular cream formulation is Monistat which can be bought as Monistat-3 or Monistat-7; the numbers stand for the duration or number of days to treat your yeast infection.
Miconazole Suppository
Vaginal yeast infection can be treated with Miconazole suppositories. Suppositories are inserted into the vagina once every night. Your doctor will prescribe the right dosage for you depending on the degree of your yeast infection. For example, you can use Monistat 3 (200mg) to be inserted in the vagina before bedtime for 3 nights or Monistat 7 (100 mg) for 7 nights. Side effects of Miconazole suppository include headache, mild vaginal burning, irritation or itching, as well as stomach cramps.
Miconazole Tablet
Miconazole tablet can be used depending on your yeast infection. There are tablets for oral yeast infection, and another kind for genital yeast infection.
- Miconazole buccal oral tablet. This tablet comes under the brand name Oravig designed to slowly dissolve in the mouth for the treatment of yeast infections of the mouth and throat. It sticks to the gums and dissolves slowly to distribute the dose to the affected area. Like a lozenge, it will not affect your eating, drinking or speaking.
- Miconazole vaginal tablets. These are used in the vagina only by inserting it and letting it dissolve. They are prescribed to relieve itching, burning and discharge for recurrent yeast infections.
Brand Names
Miconazole is available over-the-counter under the brand names
Monistat, Femizol, Vagistat, M-Zole and Micatin.
Side Effects of Miconazole Products
Most medicines can result to some side effects, although not all have experienced side effects when using these products. If you feel any of the following signs of discomfort, you must immediately consult your gynecologist or doctor.
- Vaginal itching and stinging when using vaginal cream or suppository
- Abdominal discomfort or cramping that can also affect the appetite or upset stomach
- A bugging headache that is usually after felt after using Miconazole nitrate vaginal cream.
Helpful Information When Using Miconazole
Other medicines may cause interaction with this anti-fungal drug. If you are taking anticoagulants like Warfarin, tell your doctor before he prescribes you Miconazole. Using Miconazole products together with Warfarin may result to bruising or bleeding.
Extreme caution should always be observed before taking any medication. To avoid any adverse side effects when using Miconazole products, always tell your doctor whatever medical conditions you have such as:
- Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- Taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement including antibiotics
- Allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- Blood disease porphyria or a history of liver disease, or you have been exposed to HIV
- Stomach, shoulder, or lower back pain; fever; chills; nausea; foul-smelling vaginal discharge; or vomiting
- First time you have had vaginal itching and discomfort or recurrence of vaginal yeast infection for the last 3 months or 6 months