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Drug Profile

The information on this site is intended to supplement and enhance, not replace, the advice of a physician who is familiar with your medical history. Decisions about your health should always be made ONLY after detailed conversation with your doctor.

Generic drug name: clotrimazole (kloe TRIM a zole)
Brand name(s): GYNE-LOTRIMIN, LOTRIMIN, MYCELEX
GENERIC: available FAMILY: Drugs for Fungal Infection
Find the drug label by searching at DailyMed.

Generic drug name: miconazole (my KON a zole)
Brand name(s): MONISTAT 1, MONISTAT 3, MONISTAT 7, MONISTAT-DERM
GENERIC: available FAMILY: Drugs for Fungal Infection
Find the drug label by searching at DailyMed.

Generic drug name: nystatin (nye STA tin)
Brand name(s): MYCOSTATIN
GENERIC: available FAMILY: Drugs for Fungal Infection
Find the drug label by searching at DailyMed.

Pregnancy and Breast-feeding Warnings [top]

Pregnancy Warning

There was no evidence of toxicity in animal studies using dermal application. Use during pregnancy only for clear medical reasons. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant before you take this drug.

Breast-feeding Warning

No information is available from either human or animal studies. Since it is likely that this drug, like many others, is excreted in human milk, you should consult with your doctor if you are planning to nurse.

Safety Warnings For This Drug [top]

Warning: Miconazole

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking the prescription blood thinning medicine warfarin, because bleeding or bruising may occur.[1]

Facts About This Drug [top]

These drugs are used to treat yeast or fungal infections in various parts of the body. For skin infections, you may be given a cream, lotion, or liquid to apply externally; for vaginal infections, vaginal cream or tablets placed in the vagina; and for mouth and throat infections, lozenges placed in the mouth.

Mild vaginal infections are often self-limiting.[2] For some women, a bland cream (without drugs) relieves symptoms until infection spontaneously goes away.[3] Preventive measures...

These drugs are used to treat yeast or fungal infections in various parts of the body. For skin infections, you may be given a cream, lotion, or liquid to apply externally; for vaginal infections, vaginal cream or tablets placed in the vagina; and for mouth and throat infections, lozenges placed in the mouth.

Mild vaginal infections are often self-limiting.[2] For some women, a bland cream (without drugs) relieves symptoms until infection spontaneously goes away.[3] Preventive measures include less sugar in the diet, and avoiding tight-fitting pants and panty hose. Cotton is preferable to synthetics.[4] Dry the vaginal area thoroughly after bathing or swimming.

Before You Use This Drug [top]

Tell your doctor if you have or have had:

  • pregnancy or are breast-feeding
  • allergies to drugs
  • unusual reaction to clotrimazole, miconazole, or nystatin

Tell your doctor about any other drugs you take, including aspirin, herbs, vitamins, and other nonprescription products.

When You Use This Drug [top]

  • If you plan to have any surgery, including dental, tell your doctor that you take this drug.
  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve in three days.
  • For vaginal use, protect clothing by wearing a sanitary napkin, cotton panties, and only freshly washed underclothes.
  • Avoid use of latex products (condoms, diaphragms), which can be damaged by the oils in the drug during treatment and for three days afterward.
  • Check with your doctor before douching between doses.
  • Apply enough to cover the affected skin and the surrounding area and rub in gently.
  • Do not use an airtight bandage unless your doctor recommends it.
  • Avoid getting this drug in your eyes.

How to Use This Drug [top]

  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip the dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take double doses.
  • Do not share your medication with others.
  • Take the drug at the same time(s) each day.
  • Take this drug for the prescribed length of time, even if menstruation occurs (for vaginal use). If you stop too soon, your symptoms could come back.
  • Store at room temperature with cap on tightly. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not expose to heat, moisture or strong light. Keep out of reach of children.

Interactions with Other Drugs [top]

Some other drugs that you may be taking (either over-the-counter or prescription drugs) can interact with this one, causing adverse effects. Ask your doctor what these drugs are and let him or her know if you are taking any of them.

When using topical products it is advisable not to apply other topical preparations, including cosmetics, to the same site. This prevents interactions that could irritate your skin.

Patients using miconazole, including topical gels and vaginal suppositories, and warfarin (COUMADIN, JANTOVEN) have an increased risk of bleeding due to increased blood warfarin levels.[5] If you are taking warfarin, talk to your doctor before using miconazole.

Adverse Effects [top]

Call your doctor immediately if you experience:

  • vaginal burning, itching, discharge, or other irritation not present before therapy
  • skin rash or hives

Call your doctor if these symptoms continue:

  • abdominal or stomach cramps
  • burning or irritation of penis of sexual partner
  • headache

last reviewed April 30, 2024

Disclaimer

The information on this website is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your doctor before changing or discontinuing any medication.