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Miconazole nitrate is an antifungal remedy that acts by inhibiting the growth of fungi, especially Candida species, which can cause ringworm on the skin, nails, groin, or mucous membranes such as the mouth, throat or genitals, and therefore is indicated for the treatment of oral or genital candidiasis, or skin mycosis, for example.
This remedy can be found in pharmacies or drugstores, in the form of an ointment, powder or spray for the treatment of fungal infections of the skin, oral gel for ringworm in the mouth, or gynecological cream for vaginal or anal candidiasis, with the trade names Vodol or Daktarin oral gel, or in generic form such as miconazole nitrate.
Miconazole nitrate should be used with indication and guidance from the doctor, who should guide the use of the ointment, cream, powder, spray or oral gel, according to the type of mycosis to be treated.
What is it for
Miconazole nitrate is indicated in the treatment of yeast infections and pathogenic dermatophyte fungi. Thus, it is mainly indicated in the treatment of infections in the vulva, vagina or perianal region caused by the yeast Candida sp., which causes intense itching, redness, burning and white vaginal discharge, in which case the vaginal cream is usually indicated. Learn how to identify candidiasis.
This remedy is also indicated to treat skin infections caused by fungi such as Tinea pedis (responsible for athlete's foot), Tinea cruris (responsible for ringworm in the groin area), Tinea corporis and onychomycosis, which are infections in nails by fungi, caused by Trichophyton, Epidermophyton and Microsporum, chromophytosis and Tinea versicolor, also called pityriasis versicolor, which is caused by the fungus Malassezia furfur.
How to use
The way to use miconazole nitrate may vary according to the treatment objective and presentation of the antifungal agent.
1. Vaginal cream
Miconazole nitrate vaginal cream is indicated in the treatment of candidiasis and must be used with the applicators contained in the package together with the cream, which have a capacity of about 5 g of the drug. The use of the medication must follow the following steps:
- Fill the inside of the applicator with the cream, adapting it to the nozzle of the tube and squeezing its bottom;
- Introduce the applicator gently into the vagina, as deeply as possible;
- Push the applicator plunger so that it is empty and the cream is deposited at the bottom of the vagina;
- Remove the applicator;
- Discard the applicator, if the package contains enough for the treatment.
The cream should be used preferably at night, for 14 days in a row, or as directed by the doctor. During treatment, the usual hygiene measures should be maintained and other measures adopted, such as keeping the intimate region dry, avoiding sharing towels, avoiding the use of tight and synthetic clothes, avoiding foods with sugar and drinking plenty of liquids throughout the day. Learn more about the treatment, homemade recipes and care during the treatment of candidiasis.
2. Ointment, powder or spray
Miconazole nitrate ointment, powder or spray is commonly indicated in the treatment of fungal skin infections. In these cases, it is recommended to wash and dry the area to be treated well before applying the medication and then apply the ointment, powder or spray to the area 2 times a day, spreading over an area slightly larger than the one that is being treated. is affected.
Treatment usually lasts between 2 to 5 weeks, until symptoms disappear completely. If, after this period, the symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist to evaluate the problem and assess the need to change the treatment.
3. Oral gel
Miconazole nitrate oral gel should be applied directly to the mucosa of the mouth, with the help of a cotton swab or a clean and dry gauze, spreading the gel over the affected area. It is important to keep the gel in the mouth as long as possible, avoiding swallowing it immediately.
Typical recommended doses of miconazole nitrate oral gel are:
- Babies from 6 to 24 months: apply ¼ teaspoon, which corresponds to 1.25 mL of the gel, 4 times a day, that is, every 6 hours;
- Adults and children aged 2 years and over: apply ½ teaspoon, which corresponds to 2.5 mL of the gel, 4 times a day.
The duration of treatment with miconazole nitrate oral gel should be guided by the doctor, and it is recommended to continue the treatment for at least one week after the symptoms disappear.
Possible side effects
Although it is rare, miconazole nitrate can cause some reactions, such as local irritation, itching and a burning sensation and redness of the skin. In these cases, it is recommended to wash the place where the substance was applied and consult a doctor.
Miconazole nitrate oral gel may also cause nausea, vomiting, loss of taste or abnormal taste, dry mouth, or mouth discomfort.
In addition, miconazole nitrate can cause severe allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention. Therefore, you should stop treatment and seek the nearest emergency department if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, feeling of a closed throat, swelling in the mouth, tongue or face, blistering of the skin or hives. Know how to identify the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
Who should not use
Miconazole nitrate should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people who are allergic to miconazole nitrate or other antifungals such as fluconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole or itraconazole, for example.
