Metronidazole vs. Miconazole for Skin Infection and Yeast Infection: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Metronidazole

(Flagyl)

Miconazole

(Monistat)

Summary for Metronidazole

Prescription only

Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an oral antibiotic for adults and children. It's used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including bacterial vaginosis (a type of vaginal bacteria infection) and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection, or STI). Metronidazole (Flagyl) is taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Some common side effects of this medication include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking and for 3 days after stopping metronidazole (Flagyl) because this combination can cause a serious reaction. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is available as a lower-cost generic.

Indications for Metronidazole

Treatment of certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including:

Trichomoniasis
Amebiasis (parasitic gut infection)
Serious bacterial infections, such as:
- Abdominal infection (including peritonitis)
- Skin infections
- Gynecological infections (including endometritis)
- Bloodstream infection (septicemia)
- Bone and joint infections
- Central nervous system infections (meningitis)
- Lung infections (lower respiratory tract infections)
- Heart infection (endocarditis)

Pros and Cons for Metronidazole

Pros

Taken by mouth
Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Can be used to treat different types of bacterial infection
Immediate-release formulations can be taken with or without food

Cons

Immediate-release formulations needs to be taken multiple times a day for most infections
Serious interaction with alcohol
Can cause metallic taste in mouth
Not recommended while breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Metronidazole

Please note: These are common side effects reported by people who took extended-release metronidazole (Flagyl)

Headache (18%)
Inflammation of the vagina (15%)
Nausea (10%)
Metallic taste (9%)
Flu-like symptoms (6%)

Warnings for Metronidazole

Possible risk of cancer
Serious allergic reactions
Brain and nerve problems
Liver and kidney problems
Risk of fungal infection
Risk of drug resistance
Lower white blood cell counts
Interaction with other medications

Summary for Miconazole

Over-the-counter

Miconazole (Monistat) is used to treat a vaginal yeast infection in adults and children 12 years and older. It's available over the counter as vaginal creams, inserts/suppositories, or combination kits. The entire treatment lasts 1, 3, or 7 days, depending on the product. Common side effects include mild vaginal burning, irritation, and itching.

Indications for Miconazole

Vaginal yeast infections
Itching and irritation caused by a vaginal yeast infection

Pros and Cons for Miconazole

Pros

Available over the counter
Many treatment options (1, 3, or 7 days)
Targets infection directly at the site

Cons

Can cause vaginal burning, itching, or irritation
Might be messy or cause leakage
Requires vaginal insertion

Common Side Effects for Miconazole

Vaginal burning
Vaginal irritation
Vaginal itching

Warnings for Miconazole

Damage to condoms and diaphragms
Symptoms don't go away

Prices with our coupons for Metronidazole vs. Miconazole

Metronidazole14 tablets / 500mg

$10.73$14.00

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Miconazole30 tubes / 2%

$11.34-

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Metronidazole vs. Miconazole

Metronidazole

Miconazole

Summary for Metronidazole

Indications for Metronidazole

Pros and Cons for Metronidazole

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Metronidazole

Warnings for Metronidazole

Summary for Miconazole

Indications for Miconazole

Pros and Cons for Miconazole

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Miconazole

Warnings for Miconazole

Prices with our coupons for Metronidazole vs. Miconazole

Compare other Skin Infection and Yeast Infection drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Metronidazole

Miconazole

Summary for Metronidazole

Indications for Metronidazole

Pros and Cons for Metronidazole

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Metronidazole

Warnings for Metronidazole

Summary for Miconazole

Indications for Miconazole

Pros and Cons for Miconazole

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Miconazole

Warnings for Miconazole