Miconazole is an antifungal medication. It prevents fungus from growing.

Miconazole vaginal is used to treat vaginal candida (yeast) infections.

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

If this is the first time that you have ever had symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, consult your doctor before using this medication.

Vaginal miconazole comes as a cream or suppository to be inserted into the vagina. The cream may also be applied to the skin around the outside of the vagina. The suppositories are used as a one-time dose (Monistat 1) or once a day at bedtime for 3 days in a row (Monistat 3). The vaginal cream is used once a day at bedtime for 7 days in a row (Monistat 7). The cream is used twice a day for up to 7 days, on the skin around the outside of the vagina.Follow the directions on the package or as directed by your doctor 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 prescribed by your doctor.

Vaginal miconazole is available without a prescription (over the counter). If this is the first time you have had vaginal itching and discomfort, talk to a doctor before using miconazole. If a doctor has told you before that you had a yeast infection and you have the same symptoms again, use the vaginal cream or suppositories as directed on the package.

Do not have vaginal intercourse or use other vaginal products (such as tampons, douches, or spermicides) during your treatment.

You should begin to feel better during the first three days of treatment with miconazole. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.

To apply the external miconazole cream, use your finger to apply a small amount of cream to the affected area of skin on the outside of the vagina.

To use the miconazole vaginal cream or suppositories, read the instructions provided with the medication and follow these steps:

1. Fill the special applicator that comes with the cream to the level indicated, or unwrap a suppository and place it on the applicator as shown in the instructions.
2. Lie on your back with your knees drawn upward and spread apart or standing with your feet far apart and knees bent.
3. Gently insert the applicator into the vagina, and push the plunger to release the medication.
4. Withdraw the applicator.
5. Discard the applicator if it is disposable. If the applicator is reusable, pull it apart and clean it with soap and warm water after each use.
6. Wash your hands promptly to avoid spreading the infection.

The dose should be applied when you lie down to go to bed. It works best if you do not get up after applying it except to wash your hands. You may wish to wear a sanitary napkin while using the suppositories or vaginal cream to protect your clothing against stains. Continue using miconazole vaginal cream or suppositories even if you get your period during treatment.

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 this medicine by mouth. It is for use only in your vagina.

Wash your hands before and after using miconazole vaginal.

Insert the tablet, suppository, or cream into the vagina using the applicator as directed.

You can use a sanitary napkin to prevent the medication from staining your clothing but do not use a tampon.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time, even during your menstrual period. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to miconazole vaginal.

If the infection does not clear up after you have finished one course of therapy, or if it appears to get worse, see your doctor. You may have another type of infection.

If this medication gets in your eyes, rinse with water.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If this is the first time that you have ever had symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, consult your doctor before using this medication.

You should not use miconazole vaginal if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

To make sure miconazole vaginal is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a fever,

• abdominal pain,

• foul-smelling discharge,

• diabetes, or

• HIV or AIDS.

Do not use miconazole vaginal without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

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. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

An overdose of miconazole vaginal is unlikely. If you do suspect that a much larger than normal dose has been used or that miconazole vaginal has been ingested, contact an emergency room or a poison control center.

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 wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing (e.g., panty hose) that does not allow air circulation. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until the infection is healed.

Miconazole may damage a condom or diaphragm. Use another form of birth control while using miconazole vaginal.

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

Common side effects of miconazole vaginal may include:

• mild burning or itching;

• skin irritation around the vagina; or

• urinating more than usual.

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 vaginally 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.

If you still have symptoms of infection 7 days after starting treatment with miconazole, call your doctor.

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.