MICONAZOLE (Topical)

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.?

• Micatin
• Monistat-Derm
• Zeasorb-AF

In Canada?

• Micatin
• Monistat-Derm

Generic name product may be available in the U.S.

Category

• Antifungal, topical

Description

Miconazole (mi-KON-a-zole) belongs to the groupof medicines called antifungals. Topical miconazole is used to treat sometypes of fungus infections.

Some of these preparations may be available without a prescription; however,your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of these medicinesfor your medical problem. Others are available only with your doctor's prescription.

Topical miconazole is available in the following dosage forms:

Topical
• Aerosol powder (U.S.)
• Aerosol solution (U.S.)
• Cream (U.S. and Canada)
• Lotion (U.S. and Canada)
• Powder (U.S.)

Before Using This Medicine

If you are using this medicinewithout a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label.For miconazole, the following should be considered:

Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to miconazole. Also, tell your health care professionalif you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy?Miconazole topical preparations have not been shownto cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding?Miconazole topical preparations have not been reportedto cause problems in nursing babies.

Children?Although there is no specific information comparinguse of topical miconazole in children with use in other age groups, this medicineis not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children thanit does in adults.

Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific informationcomparing use of topical miconazole in the elderly with use in other age groups,this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problemsin older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health careprofessional if you are using any other topical prescription or nonprescription(over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine that is to be applied to the same area ofthe skin.

Proper Use of This Medicine

Keep this medicine away from the eyes.

Apply enough miconazole to cover the affected area, and rub in gently.

To use the aerosol powder form of miconazole:

• Shake well before using.
• From a distance of 6 to 10 inches, spray the powder on the affectedareas. If it is used on the feet, spray it between the toes, on the feet,and in the socks and shoes.
• Do not inhale the powder.
• Do not use near heat, near open flame, or while smoking.

To use the aerosol solution form of miconazole:

• Shake well before using.
• From a distance of 4 to 6 inches, spray the solution on the affectedareas. If it is used on the feet, spray it between the toes and on the feet.
• Do not inhale the vapors from the spray.
• Do not use near heat, near open flame, or while smoking.

To use the powder form of miconazole:

• If the powder is used on the feet, sprinkle it between the toes,on the feet, and in the socks and shoes.

When miconazole is used to treat certain types of fungus infections ofthe skin, an occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plasticwrap) should not be applied over this medicine.To do so may cause irritation of the skin. Do not applyan occlusive dressing over this medicine unless you have been directed todo so by your doctor.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep usingthis medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your conditionhas improved. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing?The dose of topical miconazole will be differentfor different patients. Follow your doctor's orders orthe directions on the label. The following information includes onlythe average doses of topical miconazole. If your doseis different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For aerosol powder, aerosol solution, cream, and powder dosage forms:
  • For fungus infections:
    • Adults and children?Apply to the affected area(s) of the skintwo times a day, morning and evening.
• For cream and lotion dosage forms:
  • For sun fungus:
    • Adults and children?Apply to the affected area(s) of the skinonce a day.

Missed dose?If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it assoon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip themissed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage?To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the powder form of this medicine in the bathroom, nearthe kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause themedicine to break down.
• Keep the cream, lotion, and aerosol solution forms of this medicinefrom freezing.
• Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol powder or aerosol solutioncontainer.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be surethat any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

If yourskin problem does not improve within 4 weeks, or if it becomes worse, checkwith your health care professional.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects,a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these sideeffects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following sideeffects occur:

Other sideeffects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice anyother effects, check with your doctor.