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Compare Diflucan vs. Miconazole

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Fluconazole (Diflucan) and miconazole (Monistat) are both antifungal medications, but they have some key differences. Fluconazole (Diflucan) is available by prescription only and can be taken orally or by injection to treat various fungal infections, including vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and cryptococcal meningitis. It is typically taken once daily and can cause side effects like headache, nausea, and stomach pain. Miconazole (Monistat), on the other hand, is available over-the-counter and is used specifically for treating vaginal yeast infections. It comes in the form of creams, inserts, and suppositories that are applied directly to the vagina. Common side effects of miconazole include mild vaginal burning, irritation, and itching. While fluconazole is taken as a single dose for vaginal yeast infections, miconazole treatments vary in duration from 1 to 7 days. Additionally, miconazole can interfere with condoms and diaphragms, making them less effective, whereas fluconazole does not have this issue.

drug combination

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  • Fluconazole (Diflucan)
    Monistat (miconazole)
  • Fluconazole (Diflucan)
    Monistat (miconazole)

  • Summary of Diflucan vs. Miconazole

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Fluconazole (Diflucan) is an azole antifungal. It's used to treat different types of Candida infections, such as vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush. It can also treat a serious brain infection called cryptococcal meningitis. Oral fluconazole (Diflucan) is available as a tablet and suspension. It's taken by mouth as a one-time dose for vaginal yeast infections; it's typically taken once daily for other types of infections. Fluconazole (Diflucan) is generally well-tolerated, but some people can experience side effects like headache, nausea, and stomach pain. Fluconazole (Diflucan) can raise the risk of liver problems, so you're recommend to avoiding drinking alcohol while taking this medication.

    Summary for Antifungal

    Monistat (miconazole) is a medication that's used to treat vaginal yeast infections. It comes as creams, inserts, and suppositories that are placed into the vagina. Common side effects include mild vaginal burning, irritation, and itching. It's best not to have sex while using Monistat (miconazole) and to wait until your infection has gone away. There are several brand names of this medication (e.g., Monistat 1 Combination Pack, Monistat 3, Monistat 7), with the number representing how many days you have to take it. You can find Monistat (miconazole) over the counter, and it doesn't require a prescription from your provider.

  • Indications of Diflucan vs. Miconazole

    Indications for
    •Treatment of infections caused by Candida:
    •Vaginal yeast infections
    •Mouth, throat, or esophagus infections, including oral thrush
    •Bloodstream infections
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Peritonitis (infection of the lining of the stomach)
    •Pneumonia
    •Prevention of Candida fungal infections for people having a bone marrow transplant
    •Cryptococcus meningitis
    Indications for
    •Treatment of vaginal yeast infection
    •Relief of vaginal yeast infection symptoms (itching and irritation outside of the vagina)

  • Pros and Cons of Diflucan vs. Miconazole

    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Taken once daily for most infections
    •Considered acceptable to take while breastfeeding
    •Oral liquid comes flavored for better taste
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Not recommended during pregnancy due to the potential risk of harm to babies
    •Rare risk of liver problems
    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Works as well as certain prescription options
    •Has mild side effects
    •Can use the 7-day version if you're pregnant
    •Available without a prescription
    Cons
    •Can cause vaginal burning, itching, or irritation
    •Can stain clothes and bedsheets
    •Can't use tampons, douches, or spermicides while using Monistat (miconazole)
    •Interferes with Coumadin (warfarin) and raise the risk of bleeding or bruising

  • Common Side Effects of Diflucan vs. Miconazole

    Common Side Effects for

    Single dose for vaginal yeast infection:

    •Headache (13%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)

    Multiple doses for other infections:

    •Nausea (4%)
    •Headache (2%)
    •Skin rash (2%)
    •Vomiting (2%)
    •Stomach pain (2%)
    •Diarrhea (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Vaginal burning
    •Vaginal irritation
    •Vaginal itching

  • Warnings of Diflucan vs. Miconazole

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Allergic reaction
    •Severe skin reaction
    •Harm to unborn babies
    Common Side Effects for
    •Damage to condoms and diaphragms
    •Treatment failure

  • Prices with our coupons for Diflucan vs. Miconazole

    Learn more about Fluconazole
    Learn more about Monistat

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