$Unique_ID{BRK03238}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{miconazole (vaginal)}
$Subject{Monistat 3 7 Ortho Dual-Pak Vaginal antifungal agent miconazole
fungal infections vagina prevents growth multiplication Candida fungus
yeast-like}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


miconazole (vaginal)
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Monistat 3 (Ortho) [*]
     Monistat 7 (Ortho) [*]
     Monistat Dual-Pak (Ortho) [*]
     * Available without a prescription.

TYPE OF DRUG

     Vaginal antifungal agent

INGREDIENT

     miconazole

DOSAGE FORMS

     Vaginal cream (2%)
     Lotion (2%)
     Vaginal suppositories (100 mg and 200 mg)

STORAGE

     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     Miconazole is used to treat fungal infections of the vagina.  This
medication is an antifungal agent that prevents the growth and multiplication
of the yeast-like fungus Candida.

TREATMENT

     Miconazole vaginal cream and suppositories are packaged with detailed
directions for use.  Follow these instructions carefully.  An applicator will
probably be provided.
     You should wash the vaginal area carefully prior to inserting the cream
or suppository.
     If you begin to menstruate while being treated with miconazole, continue
with your regular dosing schedule.
     If you miss a dose, insert the missed dose as soon as possible.  However,
if you do not remember until the following day, do not insert the missed dose
at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the dose.
     It is important to continue to insert this medication for the entire time
prescribed by your doctor, even if the symptoms disappear before the end of
that time.  If you stop using the drug too soon, your infection could recur.
     Usually, one three-day or one seven-day course of miconazole is
sufficient.  However, it may be repeated if your doctor determines that
Candida is still causing your infection.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     You may experience vaginal burning, itching, or irritation when this drug
is inserted.  This sensation should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.
     Do not treat any side effects that occur in the area of the infection
unless you first consult your doctor.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
headache, hives, pelvic cramps, or skin rash.

INTERACTIONS

     Miconazole (vaginal) does not interact with other medications if it is
used according to directions.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to miconazole.
     * Tell your doctor if you have had other vaginal infections, especially
if they have been resistant to treatment.
     * To prevent reinfection, avoid sexual intercourse or ask your partner to
use a condom until treatment is complete.
     * There may be some vaginal drainage while you are using this medication;
therefore, you may want to use a sanitary napkin or panty liner to prevent the
staining of clothing.
     * Wear cotton panties rather than those made of nylon or other nonporous
materials while being treated for a fungal infection of the vagina.  Also, in
order to prevent reinfection, always wear freshly laundered underclothes.
     * If there is no improvement in your condition, or if irritation in the
area continues after several days of treatment, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR.  This
medication may be causing an allergic reaction, or it may not be effective
against the organism causing your infection.
     * Miconazole has been prescribed for your current infection only.
Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a
different medication.  You should not give your medication to other women or
use it for other infections you might have, unless your doctor specifically
directs you to do so.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Small amounts of
miconazole have been shown to be absorbed from the vagina, so caution should
be used when using this medication.  In addition, your doctor may want to
change the instructions on how you are to insert this medication if you are
pregnant.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is
not known whether miconazole passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.