Miconazole is the key ingredient in topical formulations that are used to treat external growth of yeast causing problems like athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm. Micatin, Lotrimin and Monistat are the common brand names for miconazole.

Miconazole nitrate helps cure skin fungi near the vagina and this makes it unpopular. A lot of people have the thought that the medication is a skin treatment but not a hair treatment medicine. This drug is also believed to dry the skin. However, there have been people who have proven the efficacy of miconazole especially for hair growth. The most famous miconazole nitrate that used for treating yeast infection is Monistat. It can be available in different dosage forms like lotion, ointment, powder, tablet,spray, gel/jelly, tincture and kit.

Side Effects of Miconazole

1. Vaginal irritation and itching

In clinical trials for miconazole, about 2 percent of women reported and experience of vaginal irritation as a side effect of the treatment. It is likely for women to experience sensations of vaginal stinging or burning which will lead to vaginal itching.

2. Amdominal discomfort or cramping

About 2 percent of women who used this vaginal medication reported abdominal cramping during clinical trials. This could be uncomfortable and is likely to contribute to stomach upset or loss of appetite in some women.

3. Headache

Headache may develop in women using miconazole nitrate vaginal cream. In clinical trials, around 1 percent of participants experienced this side effect. Those who experience headache will have difficulty in being active and focused on her regular routines every day.

Dosage of Miconazole

Miconazole vaginal suppositories and creams should only be used in the vagina. They should not be taken by mouth. In an applicator, the suppositories are inserted into the vagina using one per dose. The tube that has the vaginal cream is screwed onto the end of an applicator tube and the applicator will be filled b the cream while squeezing the tube. The woman lies in her back while bending her knee and inserting the applicator that has the suppository or cream. The applicator must be washed after each use or thrown if it is disposable.

Usually, miconazole is used once every day at bedtime. Monistat 3 (200mg suppository) is inserted once every night for 3 nights. Monistat 7 (100 mg suppository) and intravaginal cream are inserted one time every night for 7 nights and Monistat 1 (1200 mg formulation) is used once for just one night. For fungal infections in the skin, the topical cream is used as a thin layer in order to cover the affected skin and the area that surrounds it.

It is important to take note that if the symptoms do not resolve within seven days, you must see a doctor. If the yeast infection recurs within a couple of months, you also have to visit your doctor. Moreover, if you experience fever, back pain, lower abdomen pain or shoulder pain while you use this yeast infection treatment, you must stop using it and see your doctor immediately.