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Home > Drug Category > Women's Health > Monistat and Equivalent

Monistat Information

Monistat (Miconazole Nitrate) is used to treat vaginal Candida (yeast) infections. Vaginal Candida is caused by the yeast Candida, and it causes itching and irritation of the vulva, discomfort around the vaginal opening, and vaginal soreness. Monistat may also be used to relieve symptoms of itching and irritation. Antifungals like Miconazole Nitrate prevent fungus from growing.

Monistat Side Effects

The most common side effects of Monistat may include mild burning, skin irritation around the vagina, itching, and urinating frequently. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat

Monistat Precautions

Do not use Monistat if you are allergic to Miconazole Nitrate or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have abdominal pain, diabetes, fever, foul-smelling discharge, frequent vaginal yeast infections, HIV or AIDS, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Monistat and other medications, such as anisindione, dicumarol, warfarin, etc. Do not use Monistat if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is not known whether Miconazole Nitrate will harm an unborn baby. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this drug in pregnancy with your doctor. Do not use Monistat while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. It is unknown if Miconazole Nitrate passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing infant. Do not give this drug to children below 12 years without talking to your doctor.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Monistat comes as suppositories and cream. Use Monistat 3 once a day at bedtime for 3 days in a row. Use the cream (Monistat 7) twice a day for up to 7 days on the skin around the outside of the vagina. To apply the external Miconazole Nitrate cream, use your finger to apply a small amount of cream to the affected area of the skin on the outside of the vagina. For the cream or suppositories, fill the special applicator that comes with the cream to the level indicated, or unwrap a suppository and place it on the applicator. Lie on your back with your knees drawn upward and spread apart, or stand 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. 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 Nitrate. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor. This drug is for use in the vagina only. Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, and mouth. If the medication gets into your eyes, rinse with water. Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing (e.g., pantyhose) that does not allow air circulation. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until the infection is healed. Store Monistat at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Monistat?

No, a prescription is not required from your physician to order Monistat.