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.

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.

Topical miconazole comes as a spray, spray powder, cream, powder, and tincture to apply to the skin. It is usually applied twice a day (morning and night). Follow the directions on the package label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use miconazole exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed on the package or as directed by your doctor.

Topical miconazole is only for use on the skin. Do not let miconazole get into your eyes or mouth, and do not swallow the medication. Miconazole does not work on the scalp or nails.

If you are using miconazole to treat jock itch, your symptoms should improve over 2 weeks of treatment. If you are using miconazole to treat athlete's foot or ringworm, your symptoms should improve over 4 weeks of treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve during this time or if your symptoms get worse at any time during your treatment.

Miconazole spray, spray powder, and tincture may catch fire. Do not use these products near heat or an open flame, such as a cigarette.

To use topical miconazole, wash the affected area and dry thoroughly. If you are using the spray or spray powder, shake the can well. Then apply a small amount of spray, spray powder, cream, powder, or tincture to cover the affected area of skin with a thin layer.

If you are treating athlete's foot, pay special attention to the spaces between the toes when applying miconazole. Also, be sure to wear well-fitting shoes that allow for air circulation, and change shoes and socks at least once a day.

If you are treating jock itch with the powder, do not apply the powder to any open wounds.

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.

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:

• if you are using a blood thinner such as warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

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.

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.

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

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

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.

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:

• severe blistering, redness, or irritation of treated skin.

Common side effects of miconazole topical may include:

• itching, peeling, or dry skin.

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:

• dry mouth, sore tongue, tooth pain, red or swollen gums;

• altered sense of taste;

• nausea, diarrhea; or

• headache.

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.

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.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about miconazole.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.