Miconazole: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Miconazole is an azole antifungal medicine. It is used for oral thrush, vaginal thrush, ringworm, athlete's foot and fungal nappy rash. In Pakistan it is available as cream and gel, made by 9 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Miconazole works
Miconazole blocks the production of ergosterol, an essential building block of the fungal cell membrane. Without it the membrane becomes leaky and the fungus or yeast cannot grow, allowing the infection to clear. It also has some activity against certain bacteria on the skin.
What is Miconazole used for?
- Oral thrush
- Vaginal thrush
- Ringworm
- Athlete's foot
- Fungal nappy rash
Miconazole is used to treat fungal and yeast infections. The oral gel treats thrush in the mouth, creams and powders treat skin infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch and fungal nappy rash, and vaginal creams or pessaries treat vaginal thrush. Some creams also contain a mild steroid to calm itching and redness at the same time.
Side effects of Miconazole
Miconazole usually causes few problems. Side effects that have been reported include:
- Mild burning, stinging or irritation where applied
- Redness or itching
- Nausea or an unpleasant taste (oral gel)
- Mild vaginal discomfort (vaginal products)
Stop using it and seek advice if a rash spreads, blisters or becomes very irritated. Get urgent help for swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing. If you use the oral gel while taking warfarin, report any unusual bleeding or bruising.
Precautions and warnings
- The oral gel can interact with warfarin, some statins and several other medicines, so tell your doctor or pharmacist what you take before using it.
- Babies should only be given the oral gel on medical advice, applied in small amounts to the front of the mouth to avoid choking.
- Vaginal products can damage latex condoms and diaphragms, so use another form of contraception during treatment.
- Continue treatment for the full time advised, often for a while after symptoms clear, to stop the infection coming back.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using it.
Frequently asked questions about Miconazole
What is the price of Miconazole in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Miconazole products currently in stock range from Rs 80 to Rs 450 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Miconaz 10gm Cream at Rs 80. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Miconazole are available in Pakistan?
Miconazole is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Daktarin (Janssen Pharmaceutical Division), Daktacort (Janssen Pharmaceutical Division), Gyno (Obs-pharma Ltd), Macnaz (Opal Laboratories (PVT.) Ltd), Gyno-daktarin (Aspin Pharma), Gynostin (Bloom Pharma), Miconaz (Medisure) and Myzovag (Nabiqasim Industries Ltd), along with 2 more brands listed below.Do I need a prescription for Miconazole?
Miconazole is generally available without a prescription. Read the leaflet before use and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially for children, during pregnancy, or if you take other medicines.
Can Miconazole be used during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using it.
Are all Miconazole brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Miconazole in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Miconazole brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 11 products containing Miconazole from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
