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Overview: Tioconazole is used to treat vaginal yeast infections, including frequent or recurring yeast infections. Tioconazole works by stopping the fungus, or yeast, that causes the infection from growing. Common side effects include mild vaginal burning, itching, or irritation. Tioconazole is available as an ointment that is inserted into the vagina.

Uses

What is tioconazole used for?

Tioconazole is commonly used to treat vaginal yeast infections, including frequent or recurring yeast infections.

Tioconazole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does tioconazole work (mechanism of action)?

Tioconazole stops the fungus (yeast) that causes the infection from growing.

How is tioconazole supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Vagistat

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 6.5% vaginal ointment

How should I store tioconazole?

Tioconazole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of tioconazole?

The most common side effect of tioconazole is mild vaginal burning, itching, or irritation. Tell your healthcare provider if you have burning, itching, or irritation that bothers you.

There may be other side effects of tioconazole that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare 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 tioconazole?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Tioconazole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using tioconazole 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 tioconazole?

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

  • Tioconazole
  • Vagistat
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about tioconazole before using it?

Follow the instructions that come with the product. If you have any questions, ask a healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Keep tioconazole out of the reach of children.

Do not use tioconazole if you have never been diagnosed with a yeast infection by a healthcare provider. If this is your first time having vaginal itching and discomfort, ask a healthcare provider before using tioconazole. 

Do not use tampons, douches, spermicides, or other vaginal products, while using tioconazole. Tioconazole may damage condoms and diaphragms, potentially leading to reduced protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Wait at least three days after using tioconazole before using a condom or diaphragm.

Do not have vaginal intercourse for the first few nights after using tioconazole. 

You can use tioconazole during your menstrual period.

Stop using tioconazole and ask a healthcare provider for medical advice if you get hives or a rash, stomach pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or a bad-smelling vaginal discharge.

Tioconazole is a single dose treatment. You may start to feel better within one day, but it may take up to seven days for your symptoms to go away completely. Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not start to get better after three days or if they last longer than seven days. If your symptoms do not completely go away within seven days of using tioconazole, ask a healthcare provider before using another product. Also talk with your healthcare provider if your symptoms return within two months. Your healthcare provider may need to check you for a condition that may make you more likely to get a vaginal yeast infection.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using tioconazole?

Tell your healthcare 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 tioconazole is right for you.

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

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Stomach, back, or shoulder pain
  • Fever or chills
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal yeast infections that occur frequently, such as once a month, or three times in six months
  • Diabetes
  • Weak immune system or exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Pregnancy. If you are or plan to become pregnant, ask a healthcare provider before using tioconazole.

Breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, ask a healthcare provider before using tioconazole.

Interactions

Does tioconazole interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between tioconazole and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect tioconazole.

Does tioconazole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between tioconazole and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare 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 tioconazole?

If you or someone else has used too much tioconazole, 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 tioconazole?

Tioconazole is a one-dose treatment. If you planned to use it at bedtime but missed the dose, you can use it the next night.