Generic Name: Miconazole
Indications: Antifungal used to treat athlete’s foot, ringworm and yeast infections of the skin.
FDA Drug Category: N
Summary Recommendations: Miconazole is used to treat fungal infections of the skin. Always complete the full course of treatment as symptoms may disappear before the fungal infection is cured. Never bandage or bind areas where the medication is applied.
Another name for miconazole is Monistat-Derm.
General Precautions: If you are pregnant or find out you are pregnant while using miconazole, tell your doctor immediately. Only a small amount of miconazole makes it to the bloodstream. The most commonly reported side effect of miconazole use is allergic reaction or irritation of the skin where the medication is applied. Risk of irritation can be reduced by applying only a small amount of the medication and rubbing the medication into the skin until it disappears. Wash hands after applying miconazole to prevent getting the medication in eyes or mouth. Side effects are rare and only occur in a small portion of the population – both men and women.
Effect While Trying to Conceive: There have been no reports of impaired fertility associated with this drug. Animal studies have been completed with doses nearly 90 times that of the average human use with no negative side effects pertaining to fertility.
Effects on Pregnancy: Clinical observations have been completed on more than 38,000 pregnancies where miconazole was used. There was no higher incidence of birth defects or pregnancy complications in these cases compared to women who did not receive treatment. The Food and Drug Administration has not placed this drug in a pregnancy category.
Safe During Breastfeeding: While there are no clinical observations or reports to pull from, the small amount of miconazole that passes into breast milk is not thought to cause side effects in the infant.