Miconazole is an antifungal medicine used for skin infections.
Pronunciation: mi-KON-a-zole
What are miconazole’s uses?
Miconazole is used to treat fungal infections including those of the oropharynx (the part of the mouth at the back of the mouth), including oral thrush caused by Candida albicans.
Its other benefit is treating vaginal yeast infections, also known as candidiasis (commonly known as vaginal thrush).
It comes as a cream, mouth gel, vaginal cream and vaginal pessaries.
What dosage should you take?
As a topical treatment for fungal infections of the oropharynx and oral thrush, apply locally three to four times daily, depending on the severity of the infection. Continue for two days after the infection has cleared. Retain in mouth for maximum time possible.
To treat vaginal yeast infections:
- With a cream: Insert 5g into the vagina nightly for seven days.
- With a Combipak: Insert 400mg capsule high into the vagina at night for three consecutive days. The cream in the Combipak may be applied topically twice daily for seven days.
However, always confirm correct dosages with your Clicks pharmacist first.
What special precautions should you take?
- During pregnancy or while breastfeeding, first consult with your doctor or Clicks pharmacist before using miconazole because it could be unsafe for use.
- Infants younger than six months or with an undeveloped swallowing reflux should not be administered miconazole spray.
- Wash your hands immediately after applying miconazole cream.
- Use the cream for the full course of treatment to ensure its efficacy.
- If your symptoms do not improve after three days and last for more than seven days, contact your doctor at once.
- You can use the cream during menstruation but do not have sexual intercourse while using it. This cream may decrease the efficacy of condoms and diaphragms, so do not use these birth control methods for at least one day after treatment with the cream.
- Do not use tampons, douches and other vaginal products while using the cream.
- The cream should not be used by children under 12 unless directed to do so by your doctor or Clicks pharmacist.
Miconazole should be avoided if you suffer from liver impairment.
Miconazole should be used with caution if you suffer from the following conditions, so tell your doctor or Clicks pharmacist first:
- Porphyria (a group of rare genetic disorders that affect mainly the skin or nervous system)
- If you’ve been exposed to HIV
What drug interactions could you experience?
To avoid potential adverse drug interactions, always inform your doctor or Clicks pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or planning to take.
What are miconazole’s side effects?
Side effects could include:
This is not a complete list of side effects. It’s essential that you call your doctor should you notice any severe or odd side effects, particularly allergic reactions including a rash and hives.
Call a doctor or an ambulance immediately if you suspect an overdose.