In the U.S.—

In Canada—

• Antifungal, topical

Miconazole (mi-KON-a-zole) belongs to the group of medicines called antifungals. Topical miconazole is used to treat some types of fungus infections.

Some of these preparations may be available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of these medicines for your medical problem. Others are available only with your doctor's prescription.

Topical miconazole is available in the following dosage forms:

Topical
• Aerosol powder (U.S.)
• Aerosol solution (U.S.)
• Cream (U.S. and Canada)
• Lotion (U.S. and Canada)
• Powder (U.S.)

If you are using this medicine without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For miconazole, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to miconazole. Also, tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy—Miconazole topical preparations have not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding—Miconazole topical preparations have not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—Although there is no specific information comparing use of topical miconazole in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of topical miconazole in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are using any other topical prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine that is to be applied to the same area of the skin.

Keep this medicine away from the eyes.

Apply enough miconazole to cover the affected area, and rub in gently.

To use the aerosol powder form of miconazole:

• Shake well before using.
• From a distance of 6 to 10 inches, spray the powder on the affected areas. If it is used on the feet, spray it between the toes, on the feet, and in the socks and shoes.
• Do not inhale the powder.
• Do not use near heat, near open flame, or while smoking.

To use the aerosol solution form of miconazole:

• Shake well before using.
• From a distance of 4 to 6 inches, spray the solution on the affected areas. If it is used on the feet, spray it between the toes and on the feet.
• Do not inhale the vapors from the spray.
• Do not use near heat, near open flame, or while smoking.

To use the powder form of miconazole:

• If the powder is used on the feet, sprinkle it between the toes, on the feet, and in the socks and shoes.

When miconazole is used to treat certain types of fungus infections of the skin, an occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) should not be applied over this medicine. To do so may cause irritation of the skin. Do not apply an occlusive dressing over this medicine unless you have been directed to do so by your doctor.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your condition has improved. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing—

The dose of topical miconazole will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of topical miconazole. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For aerosol powder, aerosol solution, cream , and powder dosage forms:
  • For fungus infections:
    • Adults and children—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin two times a day, morning and evening.
• For cream and lotion dosage forms:
  • For sun fungus:
    • Adults and children—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin once a day.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage—

To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the powder form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the cream, lotion, and aerosol solution forms of this medicine from freezing.
• Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol powder or aerosol solution container.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

If your skin problem does not improve within 4 weeks, or if it becomes worse, check with your health care professional.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Blistering, burning, redness, skin rash, or other sign of skin irritation not present before use of this medicine 

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.