Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.--
In Canada--
Note: |
For quick reference, the following azole antifungals are numbered to match the corresponding brand names. |
This information applies to the following medicines | |||||
1. | Butoconazole (byoo-toe-KON-a-zole)+ | ||||
2. | Clotrimazole (kloe-TRIM-a-zole)$ | ||||
3. | Econazole (e-KON-a-zole)* | ||||
4. | Miconazole (mi-KON-a-zole)$ | ||||
5. | Terconazole (ter-KON-a-zole) | ||||
6. | Tioconazole (tye-oh-KON-a-zole) | ||||
* Not commercially available in the U.S.
+ Not commercially available in Canada
| $ Generic name product may be available in the U.S.
| |
Vaginal azoles (A-zoles) 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.
Some vaginal azoles are available only with your doctor's prescription. Most are available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of this medicine.
Vaginal azoles are available in the following dosage forms:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For vaginal azoles, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to any of the azoles. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
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.
Children--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.
Older adults--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.
Other 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. Tell your health care
professional if you are using any other vaginal prescription or nonprescription
(over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine. Vaginal
azoles usually come with patient directions. Read them carefully before using
this medicine. Use this medicine at bedtime, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
The vaginal tampon form of miconazole should be left in the vagina overnight
and removed the next morning. This medicine is usually inserted into the vagina with an applicator. However,
if you are pregnant, check with your doctor before using the applicator. Some of the vaginal suppositories or tablets come packaged with a small
tube of cream. This cream can be applied outside of the vagina in the genital
area to treat itching. The packages are called combination, dual, or twin
packs. To help clear up your infection completely,
it is very
important that you keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment
, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. If you
stop using this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return.
Do not miss any doses
.
Also, do not stop using
this medicine if your menstrual period starts during the time of treatment
. Dosing--The dose of these medicines will be different
for different patients.
Follow your doctor's orders or
the directions on the label
. The following information includes only
the average doses of these medicines.
If your dose is
different, do not change it
unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Missed dose--If you miss a dose of this medicine, insert it
as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip
the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage--To store this medicine:
If your
symptoms do not improve within 3 days or have not disappeared in 7 days, or
if they become worse, check with your doctor. The 1- or 3-day treatments may
take up to 7 days to completely clear up your infection. However, not all
vaginal infections are caused by yeast. If symptoms occur again within 2 months,
check with your doctor. Vaginal medicines usually will come out of the vagina during treatment.
To keep the medicine from getting on your clothing, wear a minipad or sanitary
napkin. The use of nonmedicated tampons (like those used for menstrual periods)
is not recommended since they may soak up the medicine. To help clear up your infection completely and to help
make sure it does not return
, good health habits are also required.
Proper Use of This Medicine
Precautions While Using This Medicine
If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.
Vaginal yeast infections are not usually spread by having sex and your sex partner does not need to be treated. However, if the sex partner has symptoms of local itching or skin irritation of the penis, he may benefit by being treated also.
If you use latex or rubber birth control devices (condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps), you should wait 3 days after treatment with azole antifungal agents before using them again . Many brands of vaginal azoles contain oils in the product that can weaken these devices. This increases the chances of a condom breaking during sexual intercourse. The rubber in cervical caps or diaphragms may break down faster and wear out sooner. Check with your health care professional to make sure the vaginal azole product you are using can be used with latex rubber birth control devices.
Check with your doctor before douching to obtain advice about whether you may douche and, if allowed, the proper method .
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Vaginal burning, itching, discharge, or other irritation not present before use of this medicine
Rare
Skin rash or hives
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Less common or rare
Abdominal or stomach cramps or pain; burning or irritation of penis of sexual partner; headache
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 08/10/98
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