Miconazole is an FDA-approved prescription used in certain types of yeast or fungal infections of the skin. This medication can be used to treat adults and children of all ages. This comes as a cream for external use only.

What condition does Miconazole treat?

Miconazole is an antifungal medication used for the treatment of:

• Fungal infections of the skin such as athlete’s foot, candidiasis, ringworm, fungal nappy rash, scalp infections, and groin infections
• Fungal infections of the nails

Even though several types of fungi live safely on our skin, several might cause infections. The tinea group of fungi is one of the most common fungi that cause infection. Infections that are caused by yeast or a fungus can affect other parts of the body as well. Miconazole is in the class of antifungal medications called imidazoles. This eases the symptoms of skin infections by killing the fungi causing the infection.

How does Miconazole work?

Miconazole is an antifungal medicine that kills yeasts and fungi by initiating holes to appear in their cell membranes. This helps clear up the infection and destroys the fungal cells. This medicine also has particular antibacterial skills and destroys some bacteria that might also be in the infection.

What is the dosage of Miconazole?

Wash your hands before and after use. If you are using this cream for the treatment of your hands, only wash your hands before use. Thoroughly cleanse and dry the affected area. Put a thin layer of the cream to cover the affected skin and the surrounding area. You can cover the area with a bandage and avoid using a plastic-covered bandage. Do not use this medication more often or more than recommended. Use the cream for the full extent of time directed by your doctor even if you start to feel better. It is not recommended to use this for more than 4 weeks without advice. Use the cream as soon as you remember it if you forget to apply. You can also contact your healthcare provider for instructions if you forget to apply the cream. Do not use extra doses.

• If you are using this in children, talk to your pediatrician about using this cream. Precautions must be applied if using in children as young as 2 years of age. Also, keep this medication out of reach of children to avoid misuse.
• If you are using this for an athlete’s foot, make sure to dry your feet thoroughly after bathing. Do not wear socks that are made from nylon, rayon, or wool. Wear clean and cotton socks. Change them at least once a day or if your feet sweat a lot. You may also try wearing shoes or sandals that are well-ventilated.

If you accidentally get the cream in your eyes, rinse it out with lots of cool tap water. Tell your doctor if your symptoms get worse or do not start to get better. You might have an infection that does not respond to this medicine. 

What are the precautions in using Miconazole?

Your doctor needs to know if you have any of these conditions:

• HIV or AIDS
• Diabetes
• Immune system problems
• Recent chemotherapy treatments
• Other chronic health condition

Before you start using Miconazole Cream, make sure that you speak with a doctor or pharmacist:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine or cream.
• If you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Even though Miconazole Cream is not known to be risky to babies, you must only use medications on the recommendation of a doctor while you are breastfeeding or expecting a baby.
• If you are using any other creams or taking any other medications. This includes any medicines which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as complementary medicines and herbal. This is mostly vital if you are taking medicines for high cholesterol or warfarin because Miconazole can change the way these medicines work.

These are some of the side effects that you must tell to your doctor as soon as possible if it occurs:

• Increased pain, redness, inflammation at the affected area
• Allergic reactions such as swelling of the tongue, face, or lips, hives, or itching

These are the side effects that typically do not need medical attention. However, report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome:

• Burning
• Mild skin irritation
• Itching at the affected area