Miconazole

1 medicine

Miconazole is an azole antifungal applied to the skin or vagina to clear fungal and yeast infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm and vaginal thrush. Even used this way, it can be absorbed enough to increase the blood-thinning effect of warfarin, so tell your prescriber if you take that medicine.

Micogel

Miconazole

15g

Micogel is a skin care medication containing Miconazole, available as 15g tubes.

from $21.25 / tube View

Key facts

  • Miconazole (found in creams, powders and vaginal products sold under brands such as Daktarin) is an azole antifungal that stops fungi and yeast from building their cell membrane.
  • It's applied to the skin once or twice daily for one to several weeks depending on the infection, or inserted vaginally for 1 to 7 days for a yeast infection.
  • Miconazole can interact with warfarin even when used on the skin or in the vagina, increasing its blood-thinning effect and the risk of bleeding. Tell your prescriber if you take warfarin or another blood thinner before using it.
  • Seek urgent care for a spreading rash, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing after use.

What miconazole treats

Miconazole treats fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch and ringworm, and yeast infections including vaginal thrush and skin-fold candida infections. Nail-lacquer formulations treat fungal nail infections. It does not treat bacterial or viral infections.

How miconazole works

Miconazole blocks an enzyme that fungi need to build ergosterol, an essential part of their cell membrane. Without a stable membrane, the fungal cell leaks and dies, clearing the infection as your skin or tissue heals.

Before you take it

  • Do not use miconazole if you are allergic to it or to other azole antifungals such as clotrimazole or ketoconazole.
  • Tell your prescriber if you take warfarin or another anticoagulant, since miconazole can raise bleeding risk even with topical or vaginal use.
  • Vaginal miconazole can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms for up to 3 days after use; use alternative contraception during that time.
  • Avoid applying it to broken or infected skin unless directed, and keep it away from the eyes.

Side effects

Common effects include mild burning, itching or redness at the application site.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for:

  • A spreading rash, hives, or blistering skin.
  • Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding if you also take warfarin.

Safety essentials

  • If you take warfarin, tell your prescriber before starting miconazole. Even topical or vaginal use has been linked to a raised INR and bleeding, so your dose or monitoring may need adjusting.
  • Finish the full course even if symptoms improve early, to keep the infection from returning.
  • If a skin or vaginal infection doesn't improve within the expected treatment time, see a doctor. It may not be fungal, or it may need a different antifungal.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.