Miconazole is an antifungal medication that belongs to a class of drugs called imidazoles. You might be prescribed a miconazole cream to treat athlete’s foot, ringworm, or yeast infections of the skin or vagina. There are also miconazole injections, which may be used to treat more serious fungal infections.
Miconazole also comes in tablet form, specifically a buccal tablet. These miconazole tablets aren’t swallowed. Instead, they’re designed to dissolve slowly in your mouth. Miconazole buccal tablets are used to treat thrush (oropharyngeal candidiasis), a fungal infection in the mouth and throat.
Here’s what you need to know about miconazole tablets, including how they’re used, the proper dosage, how to administer them, what side effects to watch out for, and other important precautions.
Dosing and Uses of Miconazole Tablets
Miconazole tablets are an antifungal medication that comes in several forms, including a dissolving buccal tablet.
Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (Thrush)
Oropharyngeal candidiasis, also known as thrush, is a fungal infection of the mouth and throat. It’s caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus.
Miconazole buccal tablets are effective for treating thrush. The tablet slowly dissolves in your mouth, releasing medication directly into the area where the infection is.
The typical dosage for adults and children age 16 and older is one 50 mg buccal tablet once a day for 14 days. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and complete the full course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve before the 14 days are up.
Other Potential Uses
Miconazole is available in a variety of forms, including creams, ointments, and suppositories, and it can be used to treat other fungal infections in different parts of the body, including nail fungus. For example, miconazole cream is frequently used to treat athlete’s foot and vaginal yeast infections.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate use and dosage for any other conditions. Only a doctor can determine whether miconazole is the right treatment for you and what dose you need.
How to use miconazole buccal tablets
Miconazole comes as a lozenge-like tablet that you stick to your upper gum. It slowly dissolves and delivers the medication to your mouth.
How to apply the tablet
- Place the tablet on your gum, just above one of your incisor teeth (the ones in the very front of your mouth).
- Hold the tablet in place with your finger for 30 seconds. It will stick to your gum.
- Let the tablet dissolve completely. It will take a while.
You’ll apply one tablet each morning for 14 days. Alternate sides of your mouth each day.
Important things to remember
- Don’t rinse vigorously, wear upper dentures, or chew gum while the tablet is in place.
- If the tablet falls off within the first six hours, put a new one on your gum. If it falls off after six hours, don’t apply another one until the next day.
- Don’t swallow, chew, or crush the tablet.
If you have any questions about using miconazole buccal tablets, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Adverse effects and precautions
Like all medications, miconazole tablets can cause side effects, some of which can be serious. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential issues and take appropriate precautions.
Common side effects
Some of the more common side effects reported with miconazole tablets include:
- Diarrhea (6%)
- Nausea (4.6%)
- Headache (5%)
- Changes in taste (dysgeusia) (2.9%)
- Upper abdominal pain (2.5%)
- Vomiting (2.5%)
If you experience any of these side effects and they are severe or don’t go away, it’s important to tell your doctor.
Serious side effects and allergic reactions
Although less common, serious side effects can occur. These may include signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- Hives
- Rash
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking miconazole immediately and seek emergency medical attention.
Precautions and contraindications
Miconazole is not right for everyone. Here are some important precautions to keep in mind:
- Hypersensitivity: You should not take miconazole if you are allergic to miconazole, milk protein concentrate, or any of the other ingredients in the tablet.
- Pre-existing conditions and medications: Always inform your doctor about any allergies you have, any other medications you are taking, and any pre-existing medical conditions, especially liver disease. Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Providing your doctor with complete information about your health history and current medications is crucial to ensure that miconazole is a safe and appropriate treatment option for you.
Drug interactions and warnings
Miconazole vaginal tablets can be a good treatment choice for vaginal yeast infections. However, it’s important to know that miconazole tablets can interact with other medications and may not be right for everyone.
Potential drug interactions
Miconazole is known to be a CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 inhibitor. That’s a science-y way of saying that it can affect how your body processes certain medications.
One important interaction to be aware of is with the drug warfarin. If you take miconazole and warfarin at the same time, the miconazole may boost the effects of the warfarin, which is an anticoagulant. If you take these two drugs together, your doctor will need to monitor your prothrombin time and INR (international normalized ratio).
To avoid problems, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about every medication, supplement, and herbal remedy you’re taking. You should also let them know about any allergies or health conditions you have.
Warnings and special considerations
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits of using miconazole vaginal tablets. Animal studies suggest the drug may harm a developing fetus. It’s not clear whether the drug passes into breast milk.
Be sure to let your doctor know if you have any liver problems. Your doctor can determine whether miconazole vaginal tablets are the right choice for you.
How it works
Miconazole is an antifungal medication. It works by interfering with the way fungi grow and reproduce.
Mechanism of action
Miconazole inhibits fungal growth by blocking the work of a particular enzyme, cytochrome P450 14-alpha-demethylase. That enzyme is necessary for the fungus to create ergosterol, an essential building block of fungal cell membranes. Without ergosterol, the fungus can’t grow properly.
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics is the study of how a drug moves into, through, and out of the body.
Salivary and plasma concentrations
After a miconazole buccal tablet is applied to the cheek, the mean maximum salivary concentration is 15 mcg/mL after about seven hours. However, the amount of miconazole that makes it into the bloodstream is so small that it can’t be reliably measured, even after seven days.
Metabolism and half-life
Miconazole hardly gets metabolized, or broken down, in the body (less than 1 percent). The half-life of miconazole (if it were given systemically) is about 24 hours.
Storage, disposal, and overdose information
Here’s what you need to know about keeping yourself and others safe when using miconazole tablets.
How to store miconazole tablets
To protect children, store this medicine out of reach and out of sight. Keep the tablets in a cool, dry spot where the temperature stays in the normal range.
Safe disposal practices
When you have tablets you no longer need, dispose of them at a medication take-back program. These programs keep drugs out of the water supply and prevent misuse.
Overdose information and emergency procedures
It’s important to use your medication exactly as prescribed. If you think you or someone else has taken too much miconazole, get medical help right away.
Call the Poison Control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the person has collapsed or isn’t breathing, call 911.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strongest yeast infection pill?
The “strongest” yeast infection pill depends on the individual and the specific infection. Fluconazole (Diflucan) is a commonly prescribed oral medication, but its effectiveness can vary. For severe or recurrent infections, your doctor may recommend other prescription options. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Is miconazole tablet over the counter?
Miconazole tablets used to treat vaginal yeast infections are generally available over the counter (OTC). However, it’s always best to confirm with your local pharmacy as availability can vary. Be sure to carefully read and follow the instructions provided with the medication.
Is miconazole stronger than fluconazole?
Miconazole and fluconazole work differently. Miconazole is typically a topical treatment, while fluconazole is an oral medication. “Stronger” isn’t the right way to compare them. Fluconazole may be preferred for its convenience, but miconazole can be effective for localized infections. A doctor can help determine which is most appropriate.
Does miconazole work immediately?
Miconazole doesn’t provide immediate relief. It usually takes a few days to start noticing improvement in your symptoms. It’s essential to complete the full course of treatment, even if you start feeling better sooner, to ensure the infection is completely cleared.
Can miconazole be used on private parts?
Yes, miconazole cream or suppositories are commonly used to treat yeast infections in the vaginal area (private parts). Always follow the product instructions carefully. If you’re unsure whether miconazole is suitable for your specific situation, consult with a doctor or pharmacist.
To Conclude
Miconazole buccal tablets, when used the right way, are an effective treatment for oral thrush. To make sure the medication works, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions.
That means taking the right dose and using the medication as prescribed. It also means being aware of potential side effects and any other medications or supplements that might interact with miconazole.
Make sure you store and dispose of the tablets the right way, too. If you have any questions about miconazole buccal tablets, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.