Miconazole topical

Miconazole topical is a medicine that fights fungus. It stops fungus from growing on your skin.

Miconazole topical (for the skin) is used to treat skin infections like athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, tinea versicolor (a fungus that causes skin discoloration), and yeast infections of the skin.

Miconazole topical may also be used for reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are using.

You should not use miconazole topical if you are allergic to miconazole.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• if you are using a blood thinner such as warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

It is not known whether miconazole topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether miconazole topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Miconazole topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using miconazole topical and call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe blistering, redness, or irritation of the skin you treated.

Common side effects of miconazole topical may include:

• itching, peeling, or dry skin.

Even though the chance of serious side effects is low when miconazole topical is applied to the skin, side effects can happen if the medicine gets into your bloodstream, including:

• dry mouth, sore tongue, tooth pain, red or swollen gums;
• change in taste;
• nausea, diarrhea; or
• headache.

This is not a full list of side effects, and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not take by mouth. Miconazole topical is for use only on the skin. Do not use this medicine on open wounds.

Miconazole topical is not for use in the vagina or rectum.

Wash your hands before and after using this medication, unless you are treating a skin condition on your hands.

Clean and dry the affected area. Apply the cream, lotion, spray, or powder once or twice daily as directed for 2 to 4 weeks.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to. A light cotton-gauze dressing may be used to protect clothing.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antifungal medicine.

Call your doctor if the infection does not clear up in 2 weeks (or 4 weeks for athlete's foot), or if it appears to get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing that doesn't allow air circulation. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until the infection is healed.

It is unlikely that other medicines you take by mouth or inject will affect miconazole topical. However, many medicines can interact with each other. Inform all your health care providers about all the medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.