Miconazole

Miconazole is an antifungal drug used to treat fungal infections of the skin, such as ringworm (tinea), athlete's foot, tinea versicolor, and candidiasis. In addition to skin yeast infections, miconazole is also used to treat fungal infections in the mouth, nails, or vagina.

Miconazole works by damaging the structure of the fungal cell membrane, so that the cell membrane cannot function properly and causes the fungal cells to lose potassium and other important compounds. That way, the growth of the fungus can be stopped.

Miconazole is effective for stopping the growth of several types of fungi, such as Candida spp., Microsporum spp., Epidermophyton spp., Trichophyton spp., and Pityrosporon orbiculare (Malassezia furfur).

Miconazole trademarks: Altadis, Benoson M, Daktarin , Dactazol, Eight-Eight, Fungares, Funtas, Harconazole, Kalpanax, Kanesol, Pi Kang Shuang Cream, Locoriz, Miconazole Nitrate, Micoskin, Mikazol, Mikoz, Moladerm, Mycorine, Mycozol, Vaslone , Zolacort, Zolagel

What is Miconazole

Warning Before Using Miconazole

There are several things that you should pay attention to before using miconazole, namely:

• Do not use miconazole if you have an allergy to this drug or to other azole class antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole, clotrimazole , itraconazole, and econazole.
• Consult your doctor first if you have fever or abdominal pain, vaginal discharge that smells bad, are diabetic, or have HIV/AIDS infection before using miconazole vaginally.
• Consult your doctor about using miconazole for children under 2 years of age.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, including supplements and herbal products, in case of drug interactions.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
• Immediately see a doctor if an allergic drug reaction or overdose occurs after using miconazole.

Dosage and Rules for Use Miconazole

The dose of miconazole is divided based on the condition being treated and the dosage form of the drug. The following are common doses for using miconazole:

Condition : Candidiasis of the mouth and throat

Adults and children 2 years and over

• Gel containing 20 mg/g miconazole: Apply 2.5 ml, 4 times daily. Continue treatment for at least 1 week even if symptoms have subsided.

Condition : Intestinal candidiasis

Mature

• Gel containing 20 mg/g miconazole: Apply 20 mg/kg divided into 4 doses. The maximum dose is 1,000 mg (40 ml) per day. Continue treatment for at least 1 week even if symptoms have subsided.

Conditions : Fungal infections of the skin (tinea pedis, tinea cruris , tinea corporis, tinea versicolor , candidiasis)

Adults and children

• Cream, ointment, or powder containing 2% miconazole: Apply twice daily for 2–6 weeks. Continue using the drug for 1 week after the complaint has disappeared.

Condition : Fungal infection of the nails

Adults and children

• Cream containing 2% miconazole: Apply cream 1–2 times daily. Continue using the drug for up to 10 days after the complaint has disappeared.

Condition : Yeast infection of the vagina 

Mature

• Cream containing 2% miconazole: Before going to bed, apply the cream once daily into the vagina for 10–14 days, or twice daily for 7 days.

How to Use Miconazole Properly

Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the information listed on the miconazole packaging before using it. Do not add or reduce your dose without consulting your doctor first.

If you are using miconazole for the skin, wash and dry the infected skin area before using miconazole. Don't forget to wash your hands afterwards. This is to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.

For miconazole that is used vaginally, it is recommended to use the applicator provided according to the instructions for use. Treatment with miconazole must be continued until it is finished, even if the complaints of itching and vaginal discharge have disappeared or you are having menstruation.

If you are using oral gel or mouth gel to treat a yeast infection in the mouth, you should not eat or drink for 30 minutes after using it. This is done so that the drug can work optimally before it is washed away by the food or drink consumed.

Use miconazole according to the timeframe recommended by the doctor. Usually this drug should be kept in use for several days after the symptoms have subsided. This is meant to prevent the infection from coming back.

Use miconazole regularly to get maximum results. It is recommended to use this drug at the same time every day to make it easier to remember the usage schedule.

If you forget to use miconazole, it is recommended to use it immediately if the break with the next scheduled use is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

Store miconazole in a dry and cool place, and avoid heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. Keep this drug out of reach of children. 

Interactions of Miconazole with other drugs and substances

Miconazole is available in topical or topical form, so absorption of this drug into the blood is minimal. That way, there is less possibility of drug interactions. However, in some cases, topical miconazole can also increase the risk of bleeding or bruising when used with warfarin.

Miconazole Side Effects and Dangers

Side effects that may occur after using miconazole on the skin are:

• irritation
• Hives
• hypopigmentation
• Blisters
• The skin feels hot or sore
• Swollen skin
• Peeling skin
• Contact dermatitis

For the use of miconazole in the mouth, some possible side effects that can occur are:

• Taste changes on the tongue
• Dry mouth
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn

Meanwhile, the use of miconazole in the vagina can cause side effects, such as:

• Burning sensation in the vagina
• Itching
• Irritation of the vagina and skin around the vagina
• Urinating more than usual
• Vomiting and diarrhea (if you use too much)

Consult your doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience  an allergic drug reaction , such as a rash, itching or swelling of the tongue, face or throat, and shortness of breath.