Uses

What is vaginal miconazole used for?

Vaginal miconazole is commonly used to treat vaginal yeast infections. It also helps relieve symptoms of itching and irritation.

Vaginal miconazole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does vaginal miconazole work (mechanism of action)?

Vaginal miconazole stops the fungus (yeast) that causes the infection from growing.

How is vaginal miconazole supplied (dosage forms)?

Vaginal miconazole is available in the following dosage forms that are inserted into the vagina.

  • 2% vaginal cream
  • 4% vaginal cream
  • 100 mg vaginal suppository
  • 200 mg vaginal suppository
  • 1200 mg vaginal suppository

How should I store vaginal miconazole?

Vaginal miconazole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool and dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of vaginal miconazole?

The most common side effects of vaginal miconazole are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Burning, itching, or irritation
  • Headache
  • Stomach pain or cramps

There may be other side effects of vaginal miconazole that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of vaginal miconazole?

While less common, the most serious side effects of vaginal miconazole are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Vaginal miconazole may cause allergic reactions, which may be serious. Stop using vaginal miconazole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble in swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use vaginal miconazole?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use vaginal miconazole.

  • Miconazole
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific vaginal miconazole products they stock.

What should I know about vaginal miconazole before using it?

If vaginal miconazole was prescribed to you by a healthcare provider, use it as prescribed. If you use over-the-counter vaginal miconazole, follow the instructions that come with the product.

Do not share vaginal miconazole that was prescribed for you by a healthcare provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep vaginal miconazole out of the reach of children.

Do not use tampons, douches, spermicides, or other vaginal products, while using vaginal miconazole. Vaginal miconazole may damage condoms and diaphragms, potentially leading to reduced protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Do not have vaginal intercourse while using vaginal miconazole.

Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not get better after 3 days or if they last longer than 7 days.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using vaginal miconazole?

Tell your healthcare provider about your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if vaginal miconazole is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Stomach, back, or shoulder pain
  • Fever or chills
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal yeast infections that occur frequently, such as once a month or 3 in 6 months
  • Diabetes
  • Weak immune system or exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Pregnancy. Do not use vaginal miconazole in the first trimester of pregnancy without talking to your healthcare provider. It is not known if or how miconazole could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use vaginal miconazole while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if vaginal miconazole passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does vaginal miconazole interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between vaginal miconazole and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect vaginal miconazole.

Does vaginal miconazole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure you ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist before using vaginal miconazole if you are taking warfarin, which is a blood thinner.

Does Miconazole vaginal interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much vaginal miconazole?

If you or someone else has used too much vaginal miconazole, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of vaginal miconazole?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.