Miconazole - oral

Miconazole is used to treat fungal infections of the mouth, throat, stomach or gut.

Take Miconazole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

This medicine is available as an oral gel or as a buccal tablet.

If you have been given the oral gel, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Open the tube by puncturing the metal seal with the pointed tip of the cap.
3. With a clean and dry finger, apply Miconazole oral gel directly on the affected area after a meal. Keep the medicine in your mouth as long as possible. Do not swallow it right away after application.
4. If you are wearing dentures, you may remove them at bedtime, and apply the gel on it. This may help stop your dentures to become infected too.
5. Wash your hands after applying the medicine.

If you are using the buccal tablet, follow these steps:

1. Place the round side of the tablet on the upper gum that is just above your front tooth. Do not swallow, chew or crush the tablet.
2. Using your finger, apply a slight pressure over your upper lip for 30 seconds. This will allow the tablet to be in place. Reposition the tablet if it does not adhere properly.
3. If the tablet falls off or if you had accidentally swallowed it within the first 6 hours of application, replace it immediately.
4. Use alternate sides of your gum with each application.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.

This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking Miconazole even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by your doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not use this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Miconazole or any other similar medicines for fungal infections.

Do not give this medicine to infants below 4 months old unless instructed to do so by the doctor.

Do not take Miconazole with medicines used for heart disease, cold or allergy, migraine, mood disorder, anxiety, stomach problems, malaria and cholesterol-lowering medicines. Please see the section “Can I take this with other medicines?” below for more information.

Inform your doctor if you have liver disease.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are giving Miconazole oral gel to an infant or child, make sure that it does not close off their throat as they could choke on it. You may place the gel at the front of the mouth in small portions.

Maintain good hygiene as this is important in managing fungal infections.

Miconazole may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, change in taste, dry mouth, diarrhoea, stomach pain and gum pain.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
• rashes, breathlessness, swollen face, eyes, tongue or throat

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Miconazole if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for heart disease e.g. quinidine, dofetilide
• medicines for cold or allergy e.g. terfenadine, astemizole, mizolastine
• medicines for mood disorders e.g. pimozide, sertindole
• medicines for anxiety e.g. oral midazolam, triazolam
• medicines for migraine e.g. ergotamine, dihydroergotamine
• cisapride (medicine for stomach problem)
• halofantrine (medicine used to treat malaria)
• cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. simvastatin, lovastatin

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• blood-thinning medicine e.g. warfarin
• medicines for diabetes e.g. glibenclamide, glipizide, glimepiride
• medicines for epilepsy (fits) e.g. phenytoin, fosphenytoin, carbamazepine
• medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. verapamil
• medicines for cancer e.g. vinca alkaloids, docetaxel, busulfan
• medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
• saquinavir (medicine for HIV infection)
• medicines for anxiety e.g. midazolam (intravenous), buspirone, alprazolam, brotizolam
• other medicines e.g. alfentanil, methylprednisolone, reboxetine, sildenafil, trimetrexate

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Miconazole.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.