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Miconazole topical

Generic name: miconazole topical [ my-CON-a-zole ]
Brand names: Aloe Vesta Clear Antifungal, Azolen, Baza Antifungal, Critic-Aid Clear AF, Cruex Prescription Strength, ... show all 63 brands
Dosage forms: topical cream (2%), topical liquid (2%), topical ointment (2%), topical powder (2%), topical spray (2%), ... show all 6 dosage forms
Drug classes: Topical antifungals, Vaginal anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 28, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is miconazole topical?

Miconazole topical is an antifungal medication. Miconazole topical prevents fungus from growing on your skin.

Miconazole topical (for the skin) is used to treat skin infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, tinea versicolor (a fungus that discolors the skin), and yeast infections of the skin.

Miconazole topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Miconazole topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Miconazole topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using miconazole topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of miconazole topical may include:

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when miconazole topical is applied to the skin, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream, including:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use miconazole topical if you are allergic to miconazole.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

It is not known whether miconazole topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether miconazole topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use miconazole topical?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not take by mouth. Miconazole topical is for use only on the skin. Do not use this medicine on open wounds.

Miconazole topical is not for use in the vagina or rectum.

Wash your hands before and after using this medication, unless you are treating a skin condition on your hands.

Clean and dry the affected area. Apply the cream, lotion, spray, or powder once or twice daily as directed for 2 to 4 weeks.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to. A light cotton-gauze dressing may be used to protect clothing.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antifungal medicine.

Call your doctor if the infection does not clear up in 2 weeks (or 4 weeks for athlete's foot), or if it appears to get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using miconazole topical?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing that doesn't allow air circulation. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until the infection is healed.

What other drugs will affect miconazole topical?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied miconazole. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Popular FAQ

You may shower in the morning, but it is not required. Monistat 3- and 7-day topical yeast infection treatments (miconazole cream, ointment, ovule or suppositories) are inserted into the vagina before bedtime. Lie down as soon as possible after inserting the product to help reduce leakage. During the day, you may want to wear deodorant-free pads or panty shields to protect your clothing as needed. Continue reading

Most women use Monistat (miconazole) right before bedtime, and then lay down for the rest of the night while sleeping. For best results, lie down as soon as possible after inserting the product. This can help prevent significant leakage. You may want to wear a deodorant-free pad or panty shield to help protect your clothing as needed. Do not use tampons during Monistat treatment because tampons may remove some of the medicine from the vagina. Continue reading

More FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.