Miconazole Vaginal
Vaginal miconazole is used to treat vaginal yeast infections in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Miconazole is in a class of antifungal medications called imidazoles. It works by stopping the growth of fungi that cause infection.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
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.
Patients, too, are unhappy with the care they receive during those brief interactions with their doctors. Healthcare communications company West Corporation reported that 25% of patients don’t feel that their provider cares about them as an individual and nearly 20% aren’t convinced their doctor is focused on improving their health – even though 93% of doctors strongly agree that patient satisfaction is important.
To use the miconazole vaginal cream or suppositories, read the instructions provided with the medication and follow these steps:
- 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.
- Lie on your back with your knees drawn upward and spread apart or standing with your feet far apart and knees bent.
- Gently insert the applicator into the vagina, and push the plunger to release the medication.
- Withdraw the applicator.
- 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.
- 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.
