Miconazole is an antifungal medication developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved on 30 March 1998, for treating fungal skin infections.

Miconazole used to treat fungal skin infections. It can also be used to treat various skin infections, such as athlete's foot (an infection that affects the feet), jock itch (an infection that affects the groin and inner thigh), and infected nappy rash.

For external use only. It is important to apply enough gel to cover the affected area that needs treatment and gently massage it into the skin until it is fully absorbed. Apply Miconazole gel once or twice daily or as your doctor recommends. 

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Miconazole are skin irritation and redness. Some serious side effects also include serious allergic reactions (swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat), difficulty in swallowing or breathing, itchy rash (hives), skin burning sensation, application site reactions, and skin discoloration.

This drug is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to it or its component. Miconazole effects can be increased by keeping the affected area clean and dry, as well as washing hands before and after treatment. If you have an athlete's foot, ensure you thoroughly wash your socks or tights and, if possible, replace your shoes regularly. Other drugs taken by mouth or injection are unlikely to interfere with how this medicine works. However, consult your doctor if you have recently used any other steroid-containing medicine or have had an allergic reaction to another antifungal medicine.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, use this drug only if necessary. Please consult your doctor to determine its safety. Avoid getting the gel in your nose, eyes, or mouth. In case of accidental exposure, immediately rinse the affected area with plenty of water and consult a physician or a dermatologist if any irritation or adverse reactions occur. Miconazole can be used for children, and infants aged four months and above, but it's important to use the appropriate strength and follow the dosing instructions recommended by a pediatrician.

Before and after applying the cream, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent the spread of infection. Do not share your clothes or towel with anyone to avoid spreading the infection to others. Apply enough Miconazole to cover the affected area and approximately 1 inch of the skin around it. Follow the instructions provided by your physician or on the product label for the correct amount and application technique.

1. Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on Sep 2020] [ Accessed on 19th August 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.443.pdf
2. Package leaflet: Information for the user - Miconazole. www.hpra.ie. [Revised on Sep 2020] [Accessed on 19th August 2023] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/9ae159a4-c4cb-4980-9dc0-cc54f1bb5713.pdf
3. Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Antifungal agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1587.
4. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antimicrobial drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 792.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.