Miconazole (Topical

Pediatric Medication
Share

This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Aloe Vesta Antifungal [OTC]; Aloe Vesta Clear Antifungal [OTC] [DSC]; Antifungal [OTC]; Azolen Anti-Fungal Wash [OTC]; Azolen Tincture [OTC]; Baza Antifungal [OTC]; Carrington Antifungal [OTC] [DSC]; Cavilon [OTC] [DSC]; Cruex Prescription Strength [OTC]; DermaFungal [OTC] [DSC]; Desenex Jock Itch [OTC]; Desenex [OTC]; FT Antifungal [OTC]; FT Miconazole 7 [OTC]; Fungoid Tincture [OTC]; GoodSense Miconazole 1 [OTC] [DSC]; Lotrimin AF Deodorant Powder [OTC]; Lotrimin AF Jock Itch Powder [OTC]; Lotrimin AF Powder [OTC]; Micaderm [OTC]; Micatin [OTC]; Miconazole 3; Miconazole 3 Combo-Supp [OTC]; Miconazole 7 [OTC]; Miconazole Antifungal [OTC]; Miconi-AL [OTC]; Micotrin AP [OTC]; Micro Guard [OTC]; Mycozyl AP [OTC]; Remedy Antifungal [OTC] [DSC]; Remedy Phytoplex Antifungal [OTC] [DSC]; Soothe & Cool INZO Antifungal [OTC] [DSC]; Triple Paste AF [OTC] [DSC]; Zeasorb-AF [OTC]

What is this drug used for?

All skin products:

  • It is used to treat fungal infections of the skin.

All vaginal products:

  • This drug is used to treat vaginal yeast infections.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

All products:

  • If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.

All skin products:

  • If your child has nail or scalp infections. This drug will not work to treat nail or scalp infections.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

All products:

  • Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • This drug may cause harm if swallowed. If this drug is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
  • Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

  • Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.

Liquid (solution) and spray:

  • This drug may catch on fire. Do not use near an open flame or while smoking.

All vaginal products:

  • If vaginal yeast infections happen often, talk with the doctor.
  • Do not use this drug for itching caused by a health problem other than a vaginal yeast infection. Talk with the doctor.
  • Do not give to your child if she has belly pain, fever, or bad-smelling discharge. Talk with the doctor.
  • Do not let your child douche or use other vaginal products like tampons while she is using this drug. Your child may need to avoid these things for some time after the last dose. If you have questions, talk with your child’s doctor.

If your child is or may be sexually active:

  • Vaginal sex must be avoided while using this drug.
  • Condoms or diaphragms may not work to prevent pregnancy or stop the spread of diseases passed through sex while using this drug and for a period of time after your child stops this drug. Your child will need to use some other kind of birth control for some time after the last dose. Be sure you know how long your child will need to do this.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

All products:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

All skin products:

  • Irritation where this drug was used.

All vaginal products:

  • Severe stomach pain.
  • Upset stomach or throwing up.
  • Bad-smelling vaginal discharge.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

All products:

  • Burning.

All vaginal products:

  • Vaginal irritation.
  • Stomach cramps.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All skin products:

  • Do not give by mouth. Use on your child’s skin only. Keep out of your child’s mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
  • Keep using this drug as you have been told by your child’s doctor or other health care provider, even if your child’s signs get better.
  • Wash your hands before and after use.
  • Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
  • Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) unless told to do so by the doctor.

Cream, liquid (solution), and ointment:

  • Put a thin layer on the affected part and rub in gently.

Spray:

  • Shake well before use.
  • Spray a thin layer over affected skin.

Powder:

  • Sprinkle powder over affected skin.

All vaginal products:

  • Do not give this drug by mouth. For vaginal use only. Keep out of your child’s mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
  • Keep using this drug as you have been told by your child’s doctor or other health care provider, even if your child’s signs get better.
  • Use at bedtime for best results.
  • Have your child dry outside vaginal area all the way after showering, bathing, or swimming. Have your child change out of wet bathing suits or damp workout clothes right away.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

  • Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
  • If it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
  • Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All products:

  • Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
  • Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Liquid (solution):

  • Protect from heat or open flame.

Spray:

  • Protect from heat or open flame. Do not puncture or burn even if it seems empty.

General drug facts

  • If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
  • Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2020-03-03

Copyright

© 2024 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

Last Updated

Monday, December 12, 2022