5 Monistat Side Effects You Should Know About
Key takeaways:
Monistat (miconazole) is a line of over-the-counter products that treat vaginal yeast infections. Common Monistat side effects include vaginal burning, itching, and irritation. They should go away after you’re done using Monistat and your infection resolves.
It’s a good idea to use Monistat at night or wear a panty liner during the day to protect against medication leakage after you insert it. Headaches and abdominal cramps are also possible Monistat side effects, but they’re not common.
Monistat should start working within 3 days, and your yeast infection should be fully treated by day 7, no matter which product you use. Seek medical care if your side effects or infection symptoms don’t go away or worsen after using Monistat.
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If you’ve noticed burning or itching down below, or a change in your vaginal discharge, you may have a yeast infection. If that’s the case, you’ll likely want to find relief as soon as possible. There are several treatment options available, from prescription tablets to over-the-counter (OTC) creams. Monistat (miconazole) is a popular OTC choice for many people.
Monistat is a line of OTC products that are inserted vaginally to treat a yeast infection. It comes in 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day versions, which contain different amounts of the same active ingredient. No matter which form of Monistat you choose, there are some side effects to be aware of.
Monistat side effects at a glance
Monistat is generally well tolerated. But there are some potential side effects you should know about, including:
Vaginal burning
Vaginal or vulvar itching
Vaginal irritation
Abdominal pain or cramping
Headache
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It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to Monistat. This may cause symptoms such as hives or a rash over your entire body. Monistat can also cause pain and swelling in the vaginal area. If these symptoms appear, stop using Monistat, and get medical care right away.
1. Vaginal burning
Vaginal burning and irritation are possible Monistat side effects. But they’re also common symptoms of a yeast infection. Contrary to popular belief, burning after inserting Monistat isn’t a sign that it’s working. It’s typically just a sign that your vaginal lining is more irritated and sensitive than usual. Burning or irritation from Monistat should be mild and temporary. If it’s severe or doesn’t go away, it’s best to stop using Monistat and see a healthcare professional.
Some tips that may help reduce the chance of burning and irritation and promote good vaginal health include:
Don’t insert tampons, douche, or have vaginal sex until your infection is completely gone.
Wear cotton underwear (nylon or silk underwear can trap moisture and worsen an infection).
Avoid using scented soaps, feminine sprays, or powders. Clean your vaginal area with warm water only.
2. Vaginal or vulvar itching
As with burning, itching in and around the vagina is both a common symptom of a yeast infection and a possible Monistat side effect. The tips we shared for managing burning may also help relieve itching. Soaking in a warm bath and wearing loose-fitting clothing can also help reduce vaginal itching.
Monistat products often come with a tube of cream you can apply to itchy areas outside the vagina for relief. You can also purchase this OTC product separately. But be sure to avoid inserting these products into the vagina unless the label says that it’s OK.
If itching doesn’t improve or worsens, it’s a good idea to seek medical care. There may be something else causing it, or Monistat may not be working well enough for your yeast infection.
3. Vaginal discharge
As with other side effects, vaginal discharge can happen with both yeast infections and Monistat treatment. Discharge from Monistat can happen if a small amount of leakage occurs after you insert it into your vagina.
It’s a good idea to wear a sanitary pad or a panty liner to help protect your clothing from discharge while using Monistat. It’s also a good idea to insert the medication at night to reduce leakage. If the amount of discharge increases, changes color, or has an unpleasant odor, seek medical care. These could be signs of a bacterial infection that needs additional treatment.
4. Abdominal cramping
Monistat is not likely to cause abdominal cramps. But this has been reported as a side effect with other forms of vaginal miconazole. If they occur, it’s likely to feel similar to mild menstrual cramps.
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You can help relieve abdominal cramping with OTC pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). A warm compress or heating pad can also help.
If abdominal cramping is severe or doesn’t improve, seek medical care. There’s likely something else causing your symptoms that requires further investigation.
5. Headache
Headache is another possible Monistat side effect, but it’s not common. Staying hydrated and getting enough rest can help prevent or relieve headaches. You can also try an OTC pain reliever if needed. Seek medical care if your headache is severe or isn’t relieved with at-home or OTC remedies.
Frequently asked questions
Your yeast infection symptoms should improve within 3 days of starting treatment with Monistat. But it can take 7 days to fully treat your infection. This is true no matter what form of Monistat you choose. The 1-day form requires only one dose of medication, but it still takes a full week to work in most cases.
The best way to know if your yeast infection is healing is to pay attention to your symptoms. If they’re improving, it’s a sign the infection is being treated effectively. They should be completely gone once your infection is fully treated. But if symptoms don’t improve or worsen, you may need a stronger treatment or you may have a different type of vaginal infection. Don’t hesitate to seek medical care if an OTC treatment such as Monistat doesn’t work for you.
If you don’t have a yeast infection and you use Monistat, there are two likely outcomes. If you don’t have an infection at all, you may cause unnecessary irritation to your vaginal area. This may be uncomfortable, but it should resolve on its own.
If you have a different type of vaginal infection and you use Monistat, the infection will likely get worse. In this case, your symptoms won’t improve or will worsen after using Monistat. If this happens, seek medical care for a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendation.
The bottom line
Monistat (miconazole) is a line of over-the-counter products that treat vaginal yeast infections. Common Monistat side effects include vaginal burning, itching, and irritation. In some cases, the product may leak from the vagina after you insert it. Using it at night or wearing a panty liner can help protect your clothing against this side effect.
Abdominal cramps and headaches are also possible Monistat side effects, but they aren’t common. If side effects or your infection symptoms don’t improve or worsen after using Monistat, seek medical care.
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References
Actavis Pharma. (2020). Miconazole nitrate- miconazole nitrate suppository [package insert].
Insight Pharmaceuticals. (2024). Monistat 1 combination pack- miconazole nitrate kit [package insert]. DailyMed.
Insight Pharmaceuticals. (2024). Monistat 3 3 day- miconazole nitrate cream [package insert]. DailyMed.
Insight Pharmaceuticals. (2024). Monistat 7 combination pack 7-day pre-filled applicators- miconazole nitrate kit [package insert]. DailyMed.
MedlinePlus. (2023). Vaginal itching and discharge - adult and adolescent.
MedlinePlus. (2024). Miconazole vaginal.
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