Antifungal, azole (Vaginal)

Class Name: antifungal, azole (Vaginal route)

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• 3 Day Vaginal Cream
• Femizol-M
• Gynazole-1
• Gyne-Lotrimin
• Monistat 1
• Mycelex-3
• Mycelex-7
• Terazol 3
• Terazol 7
• Tioconazole 1
• Vagistat-1
• Zazole

In Canada

• Canesten 2
• Canesten 3
• Canesten 6 Day
• Canesten Combi-Pak 1 Day
• Canesten Combi-Pak 3 Day
• Canesten External Cream
• Clotrimaderm
• Gyne Cure
• Gyno-Trosyd
• Miconazole 3 Day Ovule Treatment
• Miconazole Nitrate
• Monistat 1 Combination Pack Vaginal Ovule

Available Dosage Forms:

• Cream
• Suppository
• Ointment

Uses for this Medicine

Vaginal azoles are used to treat yeast (fungus) infections of the vagina.

For first-time users, make sure your doctor has checked and confirmed that you have a vaginal yeast infection before you use the vaginal azole antifungal medicines that do not require a prescription. Vaginal yeast infections can reoccur over time and, when the same symptoms occur again, self-treating with these medicines is recommended. However, you should see your doctor if the symptoms occur again within 2 months.

Vaginal antifungal azoles are available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with your doctor's prescription.

Before using this Medicine

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies on these medicines have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of vaginal azoles in children with use in other age groups. It is recommended that these medicines not be used in children up to 12 years of age.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of vaginal azoles in the elderly with use in other age groups, they are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than they do in younger adults.

Pregnancy

Studies have not been done in humans for use of all azole antifungals during the first trimester of pregnancy. These medicines are safe and effective when used for at least 7 days during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. However, check with your doctor before using this medicine during the first trimester of pregnancy. Also, use of 1- and 3-day treatments may not be effective during pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

It is not known whether vaginal azoles pass into the breast milk. However, these medicines have not been shown to cause problems in nursing babies.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if yo...