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Overview: Topical miconazole is commonly used to treat athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and certain skin yeast infections. Topical miconazole is an antifungal medicine that disrupts the fungi’s cell structure. The most common side effect is skin irritation. Topical miconazole is available in multiple forms, including a cream, liquid, and ointment.

Uses

What is topical miconazole used for?

Topical miconazole is commonly used to treat the following conditions.

Topical miconazole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does topical miconazole work (mechanism of action)?

Miconazole is an antifungal medicine that treats certain fungal infections by disrupting the fungi’s cell structure.

How is topical miconazole supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Micatin

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 2% topical cream, liquid, liquid spray, powder, powder spray, and ointment

Miconazole is also available in a vaginal form. See Miconazole vaginal for more information.

Miconazole is also available as a tablet that dissolves in the mouth. See Oravig (miconazole) for more information.

How should I store topical miconazole?

Topical miconazole should be stored at room temperature, usually between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Check the product label for any other specific storage information. Some products should not be exposed to temperatures above 120 F (49 C). Some products should not be frozen. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about how to store your topical miconazole product.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical miconazole?

The most common side effect of topical miconazole is skin irritation. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of topical miconazole that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical miconazole?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical miconazole are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical miconazole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical miconazole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical miconazole?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical miconazole.

  • Miconazole
  • Micatin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical miconazole products they stock.

Children Under Two Years of Age. Children under two years of age should not use topical miconazole unless directed by a health care provider.

What should I know about topical miconazole before using it?

Keep topical miconazole out of the reach of children.

Topical miconazole is for use on the skin only. Keep it away from your eyes. Topical miconazole is not effective on the scalp or nails.

Clean and thoroughly dry the treated area before applying topical miconazole.

If you are using topical miconazole for athlete’s foot, be sure to apply it to the spaces between your toes. Wear well-fitting, ventilated footwear. Change your shoes and socks at least once daily.

If you are using topical miconazole for athlete’s foot or ringworm, stop using the product and tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not get better after four weeks. For jock itch, stop using the product and tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not get better after two weeks.

Before using miconazole topical powder, lightly shake the bottle to loosen any settled powder.

Avoid heat or flames, including smoking, while using miconazole topical powder spray or liquid spray. Do not puncture or burn the container. The contents are flammable.

What should I tell my health care provider before using topical miconazole?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical miconazole is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following before using topical miconazole.

  • Diabetes
  • Blood flow or circulatory problems
  • Kidney or liver problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical miconazole could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Generally, topical miconazole is not well absorbed into your body and is not likely to increase pregnancy-related risks. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical miconazole passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should take topical miconazole while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does topical miconazole interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical miconazole and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical miconazole.

Does topical miconazole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between topical miconazole and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical miconazole?

If you or someone else has used too much topical miconazole, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical miconazole?

If you miss your scheduled dose of topical miconazole, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply topical miconazole more than twice daily or more often than prescribed.