Key takeaways
Fluconazole (Diflucan) and miconazole (Monistat) are both antifungal medications used to treat vaginal yeast infections. However, they differ in several ways. Fluconazole is an azole antifungal available by prescription in oral and injectable forms, while miconazole is available over-the-counter as a vaginal cream, insert, or combination kit. Fluconazole is taken as a single oral dose for vaginal yeast infections, whereas miconazole offers treatment options of 1, 3, or 7 days, depending on the product. Fluconazole can treat a wider range of fungal infections, including oral thrush and cryptococcal meningitis, while miconazole is specifically for vaginal yeast infections. Common side effects of fluconazole include headache and nausea, and it can interact with many medications, while miconazole may cause mild vaginal burning and irritation. Additionally, fluconazole is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks, whereas miconazole can be used with caution, particularly the 7-day treatment option.
