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Terconazole is used to treat vaginal yeast infections. It works by stopping the fungus, or yeast, that causes the infection from growing. Common side effects include headache, painful periods, stomach pain, and burning in or around the vagina. Terconazole is available as a cream and suppository that is inserted into the vagina.

Uses

What is terconazole used for?

Terconazole is commonly used to treat vaginal yeast infections.

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

How does terconazole work (mechanism of action)?

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

How is terconazole supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Terazol 3
  • Terazol 7

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.4%, 0.8% vaginal cream
  • 80 mg vaginal suppository

How should I store terconazole?

Terconazole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of terconazole?

The most common side effects of terconazole are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the product used. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Painful periods
  • Stomach pain
  • Burning in or around the vagina

There may be other side effects of terconazole 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 terconazole?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Terconazole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using terconazole 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

Severe Skin Reactions. Terconazole can cause severe skin reactions, called toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop terconazole and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use terconazole?

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

  • Terconazole
  • Terazol 3
  • Terazol 7
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about terconazole before using it?

Do not use terconazole unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share terconazole with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep terconazole out of the reach of children.

Some terconazole products come with disposable applicators that you can throw away after each use. Some terconazole products come with a reusable applicator, which should be washed after each use.

Do not have vaginal intercourse while using terconazole. 

You can use terconazole during your menstrual period. However, do not use tampons, because they can absorb the medicine. Use external sanitary pads instead.

Some terconazole products may damage condoms and diaphragms, potentially leading to reduced protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Ask your healthcare provider for more information. 

Do not use douches while using terconazole, unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so.

Stop using terconazole and ask a healthcare provider for medical advice if you get fever, chills, other flulike symptoms, or irritation.

If you use terconazole as prescribed, and your symptoms do not go away, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using terconazole?

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 terconazole 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. Do not use terconazole in the first trimester of pregnancy without talking to your healthcare provider. It is not known if or how terconazole could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use terconazole while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if terconazole passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop terconazole.

Interactions

Does terconazole interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect terconazole.

Does terconazole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between terconazole 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 terconazole?

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

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.