Miconazole, Vaginal

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antifungal

Generic and brand names: miconazole, vaginal; Femizol-M; M-Zole 3; M-Zole 7 Dual Pack; Monistat 3; Monistat 7; Monistat 3 Combination Pack; Miconazole 7; Miconazole 7 Combination Pack; Monistat 1 Combination Pack

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used in the vagina to treat a fungal (yeast) infection.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• a weakened immune system from diseases such as HIV/AIDS or from cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or steroid medicine

Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Wear a sanitary napkin to protect your clothing, and wear loose-fitting cotton underwear while you are using this medicine. If you use the medicine only once a day, use it at bedtime.

This medicine comes in different forms. If you have the cream form, wash your hands before and after using this medicine. The medicine is in a tube. Take the cap off the tube and screw the applicator onto the tube. Squeeze the medicine into the applicator slowly until the applicator is full. Remove the applicator from the tube. Put the cap back on the tube.

The tablet form of this medicine is to be used in the vagina. Do not take the tablet form by mouth.

Use the applicator to put the correct amount of medicine into your vagina. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Hold the full applicator in one hand. Put the applicator into your vagina (like you would a tampon) as far as you can. Slowly press the plunger until it stops. Withdraw the applicator. The medicine will be left behind in the vagina.

Wash the applicator with soap and water after every use, rinsing and drying it well.

If you have the suppository form of this medicine, insert it into the vagina at bedtime.

Use this medicine for as long as your healthcare provider prescribes, even if your infection seems to improve.

Follow the instructions that come in the medicine package. If you do not understand how to use this medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses.

What should I watch out for?

Contact your healthcare provider if you develop diarrhea, burning or irritation of the vagina, or a lot of vaginal discharge. Also contact your provider if your condition does not improve in 3 to 7 days.

Do not get any of the medicine into your eyes because it can be very irritating. If the medicine gets into your eyes, flush them with plenty of cool water.

Sexual intercourse can cause reinfection. This medicine may affect the latex of a diaphragm, cervical cap, or condom. It may be best to avoid intercourse while you are using this medicine. Discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Use this medicine continuously for as long as prescribed, even during your period. Do not use tampons while you are using this medicine.

Do not use other medicines in the vagina unless your healthcare provider approves.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Worsening vaginal irritation, burning, or pain; skin rash; increased vaginal discharge or foul-smelling discharge; severe stomach or pelvic pain; unexplained fever.

Other: Stomach pain, increased urination, bloating, nausea, bad taste, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation, itching, loss of appetite.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• warfarin (Coumadin).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.