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Miconazole topical and Irritation: What Users Say

Brand names: Monistat, Monistat 7, Mitrazol, Monistat 3, Monistat 1 Combination Pack, Azolen, Desenex Antifungal Foot Cream, Micatin, Lotrimin AF Jock Itch Powder Spray, Baza Antifungal, Lotrimin AF Athlete's Foot Powder, Aloe Vesta 2 in 1 Antifungal, Zeasorb-AF, Remedy Antifungal with Olivamine, Secura Antifungal Extra Thick, DermaFungal, Micaderm, Lotrimin AF Athlete's Foot Powder Spray, Monistat-Derm, Miranel AF, Absorbine Antifungal Foot Powder, Critic-Aid Clear AF, Zeasorb-AF Jock Itch, NuZole, Dermagran AF, Soothe & Cool Inzo, Breezee Mist Antifungal, Lotrimin AF Deodorant Powder Spray, Fungoid, Desenex Antifungal Liquid Spray, Aloe Vesta, Micon 7, Desenex Prescription Strength, Fungoid Kit, Ony-Clear, Cruex Prescription Strength, Desenex Jock Itch, M-Zole 3 Micro-Guard Desenex AF Zeasorb-AF Drying Gel Vagistat-3 Desenex Antifungal Atheletes Foot Spray Liquid Tetterine Lotrimin AF Athlete's Foot Spray Triple Paste AF …show all brand names

Irritation: mentioned by 144 users (3.4%)

Based on user experiences from 4,225 Miconazole topical reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

burning 71.0%
itching 53.7%
pain 19.1%
discomfort 6.4%
swelling 5.0%
irritation 3.4%
severe pain 1.4%
stinging 1.4%
allergic reaction 1.3%
tingling 1.1%

Reviews for Miconazole topical

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Tot...
  • July 7, 2020

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "Ooohweeeeee, I have never in my life felt something that burns your flesh so bad. It burned so bad I stopped, dropped, and rolled my big self across the floor, and I had to turn my private part up to the fan. It felt like someone was holding a candle down there and the wax was falling onto me. As soon as I inserted it, a few minutes later my nose even began to sweat. My legs started shaking, my eyes got big, and I went extremely crazy. I jumped in the shower and tried to wash it out of me. It irritated my private area so bad I was purple, raw, and it felt like I had been sandpapered down there. That was the Monistat 7 days. Then a few months later, I got another yeast infection - I knew not to use the 7 days again so I got the 3 days and ooohweeeeee... it burnt so bad I had to get some ice cubes to apply to the area!"

2 / 10
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156 Report
  • Nik...
  • February 10, 2020

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "I'm currently 11 weeks pregnant and I developed a yeast infection after taking antibiotics. My ob/gyn said to take Monistat 3 because the pill wasn't recommended during pregnancy. I completed day one of this product and so far I have no complaints. I will share a tip that really helped me in the past and now: before using the product, put a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your vaginal area (not inside). This acts as a skin protectant from the Monistat and helps soothe the irritation from the yeast infection. The burning was so minimal, I barely noticed it. I would recommend this product as a quick and affordable treatment for yeast infections."

10 / 10
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148 Report
  • ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 20, 2020

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "Wow. Let me just say, that “white egg” is something else. I had a yeast infection about a week ago for the first time, and I decided to try an “at-home treatment.” Worst idea ever, let me tell you. Monistat 1 is one of the stronger ones, and oh, sis, it sure is. I inserted that egg in my vagina pretty far up there. The first hour was fine, I actually felt soothed and less irritated. Then, hour two and holy, you better expect to stay up all night because there's no way you can escape the pain. I felt like red ants were climbing through my whole vagina. The next morning, I felt the same pain but less intense, and it finally went away after 2 days of treatment. The only thing that kept me sane that night was reading these comments all night. They were hilarious. But it’s really not funny when you're going through it. Note to self: go to the doctor and get a prescription!"

3 / 10
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97 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Meg...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 25, 2021

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "It’s 3:32 am right now, I am on fire and can’t sleep! I woke up at 2:30 am to go pee, and I guess some of the cream started to leak out 'cause I am burning down there. (I inserted the egg around 10:40 pm right before bedtime.) My doc recommended this awful over-the-counter fire hazard (my doc is male. Go figure.) I wish I had read the reviews before inserting that awful egg inside myself! My irritation from YI was a lot better and tolerable than this horrible medicine! Don’t get me started on the cream that is “supposed to” relieve irritation! That cream is most likely made with Carolina Reaper (hottest pepper)! I hope this horrible feeling goes away soon because I have family coming over tomorrow, and I am not sure how I am supposed to function with my V on fire. I agree with all of you, ladies, this stuff should come off the shelves. Monistat does the opposite of what it is supposed to do."

1 / 10
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  • Jee...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 9, 2020

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "I have had a yeast infection before and used Monistat 1, which is the pill-like insertion, and it was heaven! It went away so fast, no burning, no smearing, no discomfort. This time I got the infection again, like 2 years later, and I got Monistat 7, and oh my goodness, it's a literal living nightmare. It makes it so itchy, and I was squirming for like 10 minutes because I couldn't stand the irritation. I had to wipe it completely off, and I'm trying to pee it out because it's making it worse. I would never recommend Monistat 7 to anybody, always Monistat 1, ladies!!!"

5 / 10
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  • Kia...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 10, 2020

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "It says that it may mildly increase itching, burning, and irritation, but I swear it’s severe! I was hardly itchy before using this product, like the infection had just begun, and this made it 10 times worse! I would never use this again, I wanted to cry. I couldn’t do anything but lay down."

1 / 10
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62 Report
  • Bee...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 26, 2019

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "It works, but holy mother of God, this stuff itches and irritates like crazy... for the first little while. Shortly after inserting it, it starts itching/irritating like crazy. I suggest just laying down for as long as you can stand it (about an hour), and then get up to pee. When you do, a great amount of the Monistat will leak out of the vagina. Clean yourself up, take a deep breath, and prepare to feel much, much better in about 15 minutes. Not all cures are pleasant. Suck it up. This stuff works."

9 / 10
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67 Report
  • Ken...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 6, 2020

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "To begin with, I am very sensitive to all skin products. And unfortunately, I didn't read these reviews before inserting the damn Monistat egg thing. The worst thing I could have done!!! I was fine until the casing of the egg dissolved... Then it was FIRE!!! I wanted to tear my damn vulva and vagina off! I'm sitting in a bath now at 7:30 pm on a Saturday as my husband makes dinner because I can't stand still! This thing has me cursing like a sailor! I had been treating with coconut oil and was feeling much better until I inserted this little egg of a thing! I thought this might just kick this YI out for good.... I will NEVER use this product again! And yes, it should be pulled! It's absolutely awful!!! All I wanted to do tonight was enjoy a relaxing dinner with my hubby. Instead, my vagina is on FIRE!"

1 / 10
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45 Report
  • Ean...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 23, 2020

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "Wow. Hour one, I was feeling fine... decrease in YI symptoms. Happy. Hour two? Burning, blazing fire, an inferno. Where do the flames come from? I was wailing, spread bald eagle in front of my AC. I took painkillers. I gently laid some wet paper towels. Nothing. Finally fell asleep after two more hours and lots of pain. It is now day two, and I’m still irritated (not as bad, but worse than my YI). According to other reviews, it should calm down in uhhh about a day or two but I don’t know. Just go to the doctor. I’m begging you. Just go to the doctor. Your copay and medicine price mean nothing in the face of this California forest fire. 0/10. Save yourself."

1 / 10
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38 Report
  • Fir...
  • July 29, 2020

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "Do not use this product ever! I normally use Monistat 3, but vacation starts tomorrow, so I tried Monistat 1, thinking it would be better. My crotch is on fire! No amount of spread eagle with a cold wet cloth is making this go away! I would rather have a raging yeast infection than have injected this acid into my vagina."

1 / 10
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36 Report
  • Tay...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 8, 2021

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "Took the Monistat, and the first hour was really irritated, but I took some ibuprofen and felt much better. Got worried at one point when, after about 3 hours, I noticed a lot of the egg had kind of melted out of me. But I woke up this morning and haven’t had any irritation or burning :)"

9 / 10
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28 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 21, 2009

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "I've looked online for lots of reviews for Monistat. I've used it in the past, and every time I have horrible burning and irritation right after applying. It was worse than the yeast infection itself. It took hours for me to just be able to sleep."

2 / 10
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82 Report
  • Cam...
  • February 9, 2020

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "After reading the label, I found that it says the burning and itching will increase even more so than what you have already been experiencing. This product is VERY strong, and I’ve found the worse your YI is, or the more prolonged amount of time it took you to treat it, the worse the side effects will be. I tried to tough it out for about 45 minutes before I couldn’t stand the pain anymore and rinsed as much as I could out. Within another 45 minutes, I was starting to feel a little better. It was awful. I’m on day 2, this time I’m in the same position, laying on my back, legs up, but instead of inserting the full amount at once, I’m slowly releasing the product in a little at a time. Like I’m talking a slight push on the syringe every 5 minutes or so. It seems to be helping, still a little irritating, but NOTHING compared to day 1. Good luck, ladies."

4 / 10
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31 Report
  • Fir...
  • August 27, 2020

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "100% recommend! I was so itchy I wanted to scratch my vajayjay with a Brillo pad, it was horrible! Night 1: no burning or extra itch in sight. I have to say the stuff does leak out (expected), so wear a pantyliner. Night 2: feeling so much better than yesterday! Minimal itching compared to days before. Night 3: feeling like myself and so happy my friend got me this! Just a little irritated from scratching a few days before, but itching is pretty much gone! Yeeees!"

10 / 10
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29 Report
  • Luc...
  • May 19, 2019

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "This was my first time ever getting a yeast infection. My symptoms included itching, irritation/swelling, cottage cheese-like discharge. I purchased Monistat 3 from the pharmacy. The first night using it, I honestly had no problems like what most of the reviews described. I still itched a little on the outer part of my vagina where I applied the cream, but after 2-3 minutes it subsided. The suppository did not burn or irritate the inside of my vagina. The next morning, I noticed a lot of clumpy discharge coming out. The second day I had no more of that discharge, still minor irritation and itching. On the 3rd day, no symptoms. Now, two days after taking the medicine, my vagina feels normal, and no symptoms have come back. Luckily, I had a positive experience, I would use this again if need be."

10 / 10
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28 Report
  • Too...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • December 26, 2018

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "Monistat 7 is my go-to. I'm on the first night, and I timed how long the intense burning/itching lasted (29 min). I rated the product so high because of its effectiveness. I hate yeast infections, and I try to avoid them at all costs (probiotics, yogurt, cotton undies, using the same soap, etc.), but like others, I was prescribed antibiotics due to an oral surgery, and voila, yeast city. Tips: cold rag placed on area or fan blowing straight on your area while you're laying on your back. Patting area gently helps as well. Try not to get the medicine on the outside of your vagina. If you've had the yeast infection for a while or if it's just aggressive, chances are your area is dry and skin is probably irritated...use some kind of lubricant (I use A&D ointment), not much of it, but it may help with comfort. And yes, it really, really sucks at first, but it beats the alternative, in my opinion. Speaking from a woman who had gone to the emergency room after using Monistat 1...you can do it."

9 / 10
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24 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 25, 2019

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "I’ve had a yeast infection for about a month now, called my gyno, got a prescription for Diflucan and thought all was right. I was wrong. After the itching and irritation came back, I decided on a one-night treatment of Monistat suppository. When I woke up, let me tell you, I was in agony. My vagina has swelled to be about twice its normal size, and now my further nether regions were on fire too. I called my doctor right away, she got me in on her lunch break and told me to never, ever use Monistat because there is a chemical irritant in it, causing you to become more itchy and swollen. Not only did Monistat make it worse, I now had chemical burns on my anus, butt crack, and butt cheeks (where the cream leaked to while sleeping). I will NEVER use this product ever again, and I advise anyone who thinks they have a yeast infection to NOT self-diagnose and just call your doctor or go to urgent care."

1 / 10
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23 Report
  • Goi...
  • February 29, 2020

For Vaginal Yeast Infection "I used the Monistat 1 combo pack! Wish I had researched this before using. BIG MISTAKE! I inserted and within a few mins I am itching and burning so bad I want to rip everything out! I feel like I have to pee, but I know I don’t. I’ve been laying here rolling and fidgeting, played 100 games of solitaire, and my husband keeps asking me why I’m so fidgety. Told him my hoo-ha is on fire. I told him apparently it is normal! He is wondering why we would do this to ourselves! I told him if we knew it was gonna do this, we would have never used it! I’m going crazy!!! The pain is probably 2/10 compared to birthing 3 children. The irritation of it and me feeling like I’m gonna seriously rip it off is a 10/10. The effectiveness is -10 as it made everything 10 times worse, and I’m still going to end up going to the doctor."

1 / 10
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18 Report
  • gin...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 13, 2019

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "Ahhhhh!!!!! Bought Monistat 7 and been using it since Saturday. It's now Wednesday. I've had a yeast infection (YI) before, went through a doctor, got it over the counter, prescribed no issues. I had a bit of irritation, then I knew I was having symptoms of a YI, so I went and got Monistat 7, and as soon as I used the one insert, it immediately burns and itches! Which my YI wasn't even burning and itching at that point alone. The medicine made it so itchy, and of course, I did it right before bed and can't sleep because it's nonstop for at least 45 minutes. Today, I had zero symptoms of YI, but I wanted to follow through the 7 days and literally just used it again, and instant itching!!! I'm not sure if this is working or not, lol. But it is horrible, the itching!!! Like, the medicine makes you feel worse to me than my actual YI, ha."

2 / 10
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20 Report
  • Sad...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 21, 2017

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "'A mild increase of vaginal burning, itching, or irritation may occur.' First off, let me tell you that this statement is complete rubbish. Never have I felt the flames of Hades in my nether regions before, nor the horrific itch of a mosquito plague accompanying it. I read that the itching subsides as the treatment wears on, so I will tough it out. However, that does not stop my desire to punch the creators in the face."

4 / 10
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25 Report
  • Anonymous
  • July 25, 2009

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "This is my first time using Monistat 3, and it works GREAT and FAST. The first night I used it, I was experiencing itching and overall irritation, and the next morning I had very, very minor irritation and no itching, as if the infection cleared overnight. I would definitely use this again! It works wonders."

10 / 10
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43 Report
  • Jma...
  • December 22, 2020

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "Lord, help me! I had some itching down there for a couple of days with irritation after being on antibiotics. Wish I had taken a probiotic with it. Took Monistat 1 instead of the 3-day that I have tried before. It's now the next morning, and I've been up all night! For a few hours after inserting it, it swelled up, and the burn was unbearable. It subsided slightly overnight, but it's still so, so bad - feels like lemon juice to an open wound down there all over! My poor pootang! I almost want to go to the doctor, I'm scared! I currently have a frozen burrito on it, lol. Only little relief I got is with an ice pack."

1 / 10
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15 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 8, 2017

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "How has this not been recalled? The worst experience ever. I have used similar products in the past with no problems. This caused extreme burning and pain within minutes and did not improve until evening the next day. Just in time for day two dose. It was worse than the day before. I am afraid to try a day dose 3. No way this is minor irritation. DO NOT USE THIS!!"

2 / 10
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16 Report
  • KiG...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 16, 2018

Miconazole topical for Vaginal Yeast Infection "I have a mild yeast infection that I’ve been dealing with for about 3 days now. Taking a shower and simply running water on my vagina actually helped relieve the irritation. Tonight I decided to use M7, thinking it may get rid of the lingering yeast. I showered, and after about 5 minutes of applying the application, I was so annoyed at how uncomfortable I was that I decided to take another shower! The itching and irritation were 10 times worse than the little I was already dealing with. Not sure if it was because the cream was working and killing off the yeast or what, but I did not like the way it felt! So annoying!"

2 / 10
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12 Report
  • Nat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 2, 2020

For Vaginal Yeast Infection "Ommmmmgggg! As a teen, I remember hating having to use this because the burn was even worse than the actual itch! I am 9 months pregnant and felt some irritation going on, and I knew I was getting a yeast infection. I called my OBGYN, and the only thing I can take is the Monistat 3-day. I used the anti-itch cream on the outside, and that burned for a little, but then it helped. So it’s night time now, and I did the cream insert. Aaaahhhhh!!! So damn uncomfortable, and when you feel it leaking out, it’s even worse. So I’m wondering is this supposed to burn like this!?!? Annndd here I am reading everyone’s comments, and I guess so. I guess it’s working, but it is so painful."

6 / 10
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10 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.