tioconazole
Tioconazole is an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal ointment that's used to treat vaginal yeast infection. To apply, you insert the pre-filled applicator inside the vagina and push the plunger to dispense the medication. You only need a single dose for the full treatment. Most people start to experience some symptom relief within one day. Common side effects of tioconazole include temporarily vaginal burning and itching.
What is Tioconazole?
What is Tioconazole used for?
- Treatment of vaginal yeast infections
How Tioconazole works
Tioconazole is an azole antifungal medication. It works by damaging the protective covering of the fungus. This stops the growth of the fungus and kills it to treat the infection.
Drug facts
Side effects of Tioconazole
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Vaginal irritations (burning, itching)
Less Common Side Effects
- Vaginal swelling or redness
- Difficulty urinating
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Headache
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Upper respiratory infection (e.g., cough, sore throat)
The following Tioconazole side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Burning
redness
skin rash
swelling
or other signs of skin irritation not present before use of this medicine
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Tioconazole
Pros
- Only requires one dose of treatment
- Available as an over-the-counter medication, so it may be convenient for most people
- Most people experience some symptom relief within a day
Cons
- Might be difficult for some people to use safely and as directed
- Shouldn't use tampons, spermicides, or other vaginal products while using this medication
- Condoms and diaphragms won't work while you're on this medication
Pharmacist tips for Tioconazole
- If this is your first vaginal yeast infection, talk to your healthcare provider before using tioconazole. This is because the symptoms of a yeast infection (e.g., burning, itching, irritation) are similar to those of other vaginal or urinary tract infections. Tioconazole won't treat these other infections. Your provider can make sure you're getting the appropriate treatment for your symptoms.
- Consider wearing cotton underwear or loose-fitting clothes during and after treatment with tioconazole. This can create a cooler environment to help your yeast infection heal faster.
- If you have belly, back, or shoulder pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, let your provider know before using tioconazole. These aren't typical symptoms for a yeast infection, and you might have a more serious condition that needs more medical attention.
- Let your provider know if you have yeast infections often (such as once a month, or 3 times in 6 months) or if your symptoms come back within 2 months. Your provider can check to make sure there aren't other medical conditions that are causing your symptoms, such as diabetes, pregnancy, or a weakened immune system (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus or HIV).
- Don't have sex until you've finished treatment with tioconazole and have no more symptoms. Sex can make your symptoms worse. In addition, having vaginal intercourse before you're fully healed from the infection can put your partner at risk for also getting an yeast infection.
- Avoid using tampons, douches, spermicides, or other vaginal products during treatment as well since they can affect how well the medication works.
How to use tioconazole
- 1) Wash your hands, then remove the applicator and plunger from the packet. The applicator is already pre-filled with the medication.
- 2) Place the plunger into the base of the applicator, then remove the cap from the top of the applicator.
- 3) Lie on your back with your knees bent and gently insert the applicator into the vagina as far as it will go comfortably.
- 4) Push the plunger all the way into the applicator to empty all the medication.
- 5) Throw away the empty applicator in regular trash and wash your hands again.
Common questions about Tioconazole
After a single dose of Tioconazole, this medication should continue to work for about a week. Some people start to experience relief from yeast infection symptoms in as early as a day. To ensure that Tioconazole stays in your body and has enough time to work, take your dose at bedtime when you're lying down.
Some people might feel their yeast infection symptoms going away the day after they use Tioconazole. But complete cure of vaginal yeast infection can take up to 7 days. If you still have symptoms of a yeast infection after a week, talk to your provider.
Tioconazole is meant to be used as a one dose yeast infection treatment. If you aren't seeing any improvement after 3 days or if your symptoms last longer than 7 days, talk with your provider. This might be a sign that you might not have an yeast infection, but rather a different kind of infection. If so, your provider will prescribe you the medication appropriate for your condition.
Some people will experience itching and burning after applying Tioconazole. These are temporary side effects that should go away with time. If you have itching and burning that don't get better with time, let your provider know.
You should wait at least a few days to have vaginal intercourse after using Tioconazole. One main reason is that it can take up to a week for the infection to go away. If you have intercourse before the infection is gone, your partner is also at risk for getting an yeast infection. In addition, Tioconazole contains petrolatum, which can damage the latex found in condoms and diaphragms. This can prevent them from working properly, which could result in sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy. If your partner(s) have symptoms of itching, redness, or discomfort in the groin area, talk to a provider or pharmacist for possible treatment options for your partner(s).
Consider using the bathroom before Tioconazole treatment. While unlikely, urinating right after applying Tioconazole might cause some of the medication to leak out. If so, you won't receive the full dose of the medication. It's best to lie down after you apply Tioconazole.
No, don't use Tioconazole for a vaginal yeast infection if you're pregnant. According to CDC guidelines, only 7-day topical yeast infection treatments, such as Monistat 7 (miconazole), are recommended for people who're pregnant. If you are pregnant and think you have a vaginal yeast infection, talk to your provider before using any product to treat the infection.
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Risks and warnings for Tioconazole
Tioconazole can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
For vaginal use only
Tioconazole should only be used vaginally. Don't take this medication by mouth, and never use it in your eyes, nose, or ears. If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed this medication, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Possibility of other vaginal infections
If your vaginal yeast infection symptoms (itching, irritation, or thick discharge) haven't gotten any better 3 days after using tioconazole, let your provider know. Also speak with your provider if your infection isn't completely cleared up after 7 days. In both of these situations, you might need a different medication to treat your infection.
Frequent or severe vaginal symptoms
- Risk factors: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) | Diabetes | Pregnancy
Speak with your provider before using tioconazole if you get vaginal yeast infections monthly (or have had 3 infections in 6 months). Sometimes, having frequent vaginal yeast infections can be a symptom of another medical condition, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system, that raises your risk for infections. Your provider can check to see if you have any other health condition and recommend appropriate treatments for you.
In addition, if you have symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, lower back pain, belly pain, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, speak to your provider right away. These aren't common symptoms of a yeast infection, and might be signs of a different type of infection. Your provider can check to make sure you're getting the right treatment for your condition.
Tioconazole dosage
Applicator| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6g of 6.5% | 1 applicator | $10.30 | $10.30 |
Typical dosage for Tioconazole
Each applicator of tioconazole contains 300 mg of tioconazole.
- Adults and children 12 years and older: The typical dose is to insert 1 applicatorful of medication into the vagina once at bedtime.
- Children younger than 12 years of age: Ask your child's provider.
Interactions between Tioconazole and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Tioconazole cost?
$10.30
What are alternatives to Tioconazole?
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