Monistat

The active ingredient in Monistat is miconazole nitrate. It is an effective vaginal antifungal drug that works by decreasing the production of ergosterol. This stops the fungus from growing. Through this mechanism, Monistat can effectively treat yeast infections and provide complete relief from associated symptoms, such as vaginal itching and foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Monistat also supports vaginal health and pH balance.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Monistat. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Monistat:

• Monistat products are available in 1-day (Monistat 1), 3-day (Monistat 3), and 7-day (Monistat 7) formulations. Monistat is also available in combination packs, which include an external cream for itch relief. All Monistat products come with either disposable applicators and ovules to insert, prefilled applicators with miconazole nitrate cream, or vaginal suppositories. For more product details, see the manufacturer's website.
• Monistat is typically used before bedtime once a day. It’s recommended to use a pad to protect your clothes. Follow the instructions on your specific product or as advised by your healthcare professional.
• Do not use Monistat if this is your first time experiencing symptoms of vaginal discharge, burning, discomfort, and itching. Instead, see your healthcare professional or gynecologist first to determine the cause of your symptoms. If you have previously had a yeast infection and you’re experiencing the same symptoms now, Monistat is an appropriate medication.
• Monistat should not be used in children younger than 12 years of age unless advised by a physician. If swallowed, get medical help or contact your local poison control center.
• Monistat is intended for vaginal use only.
• Do not have vaginal intercourse while using Monistat.
• Do not use Monistat during your menstrual period.

The most common side effects of Monistat include:

• Mild increase in vaginal itching, burning, and discomfort.
• Headache.
• Abdominal cramps.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Monistat. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Skin rash.
• Severe vaginal burning, itching, irritation, or swelling.
• Hives, rash, abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. You may be experiencing a serious condition, or you could be experiencing an allergic reaction.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Monistat. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Monistat, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether the following apply:

• First time experiencing vaginal itching, burning, or discomfort.
• Frequent vaginal yeast infections, such as one yeast infection every 3 to 6 months.
• Weakened immune system, such as HIV.
• If your symptoms include lower abdominal, back, or shoulder pain, chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. This may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a sexually transmitted disease.

• If you have never had a yeast infection before.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to any Monistat products before.

You should start to feel better within 24 hours of using Monistat. If your symptoms don’t improve within 3 days or last longer than 7 days, please see a healthcare professional.

When Monistat is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Warfarin.
• Tampons, douches, or other vaginal products.
• Spermicides.
• Condoms and diaphragms. Monistat may damage these products and increase the risk of pregnancy.

Monistat products include 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day formulations. There are also combination packs available, which contain an external cream for itch relief.

Monistat 1-Day Treatment Combination Pack, containing 1 ovule with 1200 mg miconazole (maximum strength). For 3-day formulations, there is Monistat 3-Day Treatment Cream, Ovule, or Suppositories. They contain 3 prefilled applicators, 3 ovules, or 3 suppositories, each with 200 mg miconazole. For 7-day formulations, there is Monistat 7-Day Treatment Cream, which contains 7 suppositories, each with 100 mg miconazole. For Monistat 3-Day and Monistat 7-Day, combination packs are also available.

One thing to note is that the Monistat 1-Day Yeast Infection Treatment Prefilled Ointment does not contain miconazole nitrate like all the other Monistat products. Instead, it contains 6.5% tioconazole ointment and an ointment applicator. For more product information, see the manufacturer's website.

Store Monistat at room temperature, away from children and pets.

Prestige Consumer Healthcare manufactures Monistat.

There are generic versions of Monistat (miconazole nitrate) available for purchase.

Monistat is generally used short-term and then stopped once treatment has finished. There are no withdrawal effects associated with stopping Monistat; however, the full treatment length should be completed before stopping the use of Monistat. For example, if you are using Monistat 3, you should be using Monistat for 3 full days.

Monistat is likely safe when used in pregnancy because it is used topically, so less will be absorbed into the body. Monistat 7 is preferred by the CDC because it is a 7-day formulation with a lower dose of 100 mg miconazole per day. Before using Monistat 7, you should always talk with your healthcare professional to confirm a yeast infection and ensure it's not a more serious condition. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Although there is limited human data on Monistat in breastfeeding, it is likely safe when used in breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.