Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Long Does Monistat 1 Stay Inside You?How Does It Work?Which One to TakeMissed DoseSide EffectsWhat Else Should I Know?Preventing Vaginal Yeast InfectionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Long Does Monistat 1 Stay Inside You?
How Does It Work?
Which One to Take
Missed Dose
Side Effects
What Else Should I Know?
Preventing Vaginal Yeast Infections
Frequently Asked Questions
Monistat 1is an over-the-counter (OTC)antifungalmedicationthat treatsvaginal yeast infections.
This article will discuss a few types of Monistat and provide detailed information about the medication.
First, to clarify, there are two variations of Monistat 1, each containing OTC antifungal medicine:
Now, to the question of how long Monistat 1 stays inside you. The answer is a bit complicated.
In pharmacy, the term “half-life” is used to help figure out how long it takes a drug to clear from the body. However, for both formulations of Monistat 1, the half-life is unknown.So, it can’t be said for sure exactly how long the medication stays inside you.
However, these medications are one-dose treatments and have the following guidelines:
How Does Monistat Work?
Both medications contain azole antifungals, which are antifungal medications that end with the suffix azole.
Monistat 1 Combination Pack contains miconazole.
Monistat 1 Prefilled Ointment contains tioconazole.
Customer and pharmacist discussing a product.Marko Geber / Getty Images
Marko Geber / Getty Images
How Do I Know Which Monistat to Take?
Contact your healthcare provider if this is your first time experiencing the following symptoms of a yeast infection:
It is important to determine what type of infection you have, so that you can treat it properly.
Sometimes, vaginal yeast infections have similar symptoms to other conditions, such as:
Your healthcare provider can recommend the best treatment.
Once you’re familiar with yeast infection symptoms and a healthcare provider has diagnosed you, you can likely treat yourself with an OTC medication such as Monistat moving forward.
There are several formulations of Monistat. The manufacturer notes that regardless of which product you choose, all Monistat products are similarly effective in curing a yeast infection in the same amount of time.
The manufacturer also notes that if your symptoms do not get better in three days - or symptoms last more than one week - you should:
This is because a more serious health condition may be present.
Monistat is available as:
What Does the Research Say?
Monistat has been studied in clinical trials.
Researchers found that the one-day treatment of a vaginal miconazole ovule was safe and effective.
Individuals who used the one-day treatment felt better faster than the seven-day treatment with vaginal cream.
Also, the people who participated in the study preferred the ovule to the cream.
Who Shouldn’t Take Monistat 1?
You should not use Monistat 1 products if you are allergic to the following:
What Should I Not Do When Using Monistat?While using Monistat, do not have vaginal intercourse. Also, do not use tampons, douche, spermicide, or any other types of vaginal products. Monistat may cause certain birth control methods, likecondomsordiaphragms, to be damaged, leading toSTIsand/or unintended pregnancy.
What Should I Not Do When Using Monistat?
While using Monistat, do not have vaginal intercourse. Also, do not use tampons, douche, spermicide, or any other types of vaginal products. Monistat may cause certain birth control methods, likecondomsordiaphragms, to be damaged, leading toSTIsand/or unintended pregnancy.
What Can I Do If I Miss a Dose of Monistat 1?
Since Monistat 1 only requires one treatment, you do not have to worry about missing a dose.
If you are using Monistat 3 or Monistat 7 and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
However, you can skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for the next one.
Do not use extra medication to make up for a missed dose.
What Are the Side Effects of Monistat?
Serious side effects have not been reported.
Common side effects of both Monistat 1 products include:
What Else Should I Know About Monistat 1?
Here are some other things you should know about Monistat 1:
Tioconazole vs. Miconazole: What Are the Differences?
What Are Some Ways to Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infections?
Here are some tips that may help prevent vaginal yeast infections.
You can also ask your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Summary
Monistat 1, available in two formulations, is a one-day treatment for vaginal yeast infection.
You should not use Monistat 1 for the first time until a healthcare provider diagnoses you with a vaginal yeast infection.
The prescribing information does not indicate exactly how long the one-dose treatment stays inside the body.
You should consult your healthcare provider for medical advice if you get frequent yeast infections.
Learn More7 Recommended At-Home Yeast Infection Tests of 2023
Store Monistat at room temperature. Keep away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Keep Monistat out of reach and out of sight of children and pets.
Monistat 1 is available in two formulations. The Monistat 1-Day Treatment Combination Pack contains a miconazole ovule inserted vaginally as a one-time dose. It also contains miconazole cream that you can apply externally to the affected area twice daily for symptom relief for up to seven days. Monistat 1-Day Treatment Prefilled Ointment contains one prefilled applicator of 6.5%tioconazoleinserted vaginally as a one-time dose. It does not contain an external cream.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Prestige Consumer Healthcare.Monistat 1.Clissold SP, Heel RC. Tioconazole.A review of its antimicrobial activity and therapeutic use in superficial mycoses.Drugs. 1986;31(1):29-51. doi:10.2165/00003495-198631010-00003Epocrates.Monistat 1-Day (tioconazole vaginal).Epocrates.Monistat 1 - miconazole vaginal.Insight Pharmaceuticals.Monistat 1 day treatment consumer information leaflet.Insight Pharmaceuticals.Monistat 1 combination pack consumer information leaflet.Prestige Consumer Healthcare.Monistat FAQ.Upmalis DH, Cone FL, Lamia CA, et al.Single-dose miconazole nitrate vaginal ovule in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis: Two single-blind, controlled studies versus miconazole nitrate 100 mg cream for 7 days.J Womens Health Gend Based Med. 2000;9(4):421-429. doi:10.1089/15246090050020745National Library of Medicine.Monistat tioconazole 1 - tioconazole ointment.National Library of Medicine.Monistat 1 combination pack - miconazole nitrate kit.National Library of Medicine.Miconazole vaginal.Farr A, Effendy I, Frey Tirri B, et al.Guideline: Vulvovaginal candidosis (AWMF 015/072, level S2k).Mycoses. 2021;64(6):583-602. doi:10.1111/mycU.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Prestige Consumer Healthcare.Monistat 1.Clissold SP, Heel RC. Tioconazole.A review of its antimicrobial activity and therapeutic use in superficial mycoses.Drugs. 1986;31(1):29-51. doi:10.2165/00003495-198631010-00003Epocrates.Monistat 1-Day (tioconazole vaginal).Epocrates.Monistat 1 - miconazole vaginal.Insight Pharmaceuticals.Monistat 1 day treatment consumer information leaflet.Insight Pharmaceuticals.Monistat 1 combination pack consumer information leaflet.Prestige Consumer Healthcare.Monistat FAQ.Upmalis DH, Cone FL, Lamia CA, et al.Single-dose miconazole nitrate vaginal ovule in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis: Two single-blind, controlled studies versus miconazole nitrate 100 mg cream for 7 days.J Womens Health Gend Based Med. 2000;9(4):421-429. doi:10.1089/15246090050020745National Library of Medicine.Monistat tioconazole 1 - tioconazole ointment.National Library of Medicine.Monistat 1 combination pack - miconazole nitrate kit.National Library of Medicine.Miconazole vaginal.Farr A, Effendy I, Frey Tirri B, et al.Guideline: Vulvovaginal candidosis (AWMF 015/072, level S2k).Mycoses. 2021;64(6):583-602. doi:10.1111/mycU.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Prestige Consumer Healthcare.Monistat 1.Clissold SP, Heel RC. Tioconazole.A review of its antimicrobial activity and therapeutic use in superficial mycoses.Drugs. 1986;31(1):29-51. doi:10.2165/00003495-198631010-00003Epocrates.Monistat 1-Day (tioconazole vaginal).Epocrates.Monistat 1 - miconazole vaginal.Insight Pharmaceuticals.Monistat 1 day treatment consumer information leaflet.Insight Pharmaceuticals.Monistat 1 combination pack consumer information leaflet.Prestige Consumer Healthcare.Monistat FAQ.Upmalis DH, Cone FL, Lamia CA, et al.Single-dose miconazole nitrate vaginal ovule in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis: Two single-blind, controlled studies versus miconazole nitrate 100 mg cream for 7 days.J Womens Health Gend Based Med. 2000;9(4):421-429. doi:10.1089/15246090050020745National Library of Medicine.Monistat tioconazole 1 - tioconazole ointment.National Library of Medicine.Monistat 1 combination pack - miconazole nitrate kit.National Library of Medicine.Miconazole vaginal.Farr A, Effendy I, Frey Tirri B, et al.Guideline: Vulvovaginal candidosis (AWMF 015/072, level S2k).Mycoses. 2021;64(6):583-602. doi:10.1111/mycU.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.
Prestige Consumer Healthcare.Monistat 1.
Clissold SP, Heel RC. Tioconazole.A review of its antimicrobial activity and therapeutic use in superficial mycoses.Drugs. 1986;31(1):29-51. doi:10.2165/00003495-198631010-00003
Epocrates.Monistat 1-Day (tioconazole vaginal).
Epocrates.Monistat 1 - miconazole vaginal.
Insight Pharmaceuticals.Monistat 1 day treatment consumer information leaflet.
Insight Pharmaceuticals.Monistat 1 combination pack consumer information leaflet.
Prestige Consumer Healthcare.Monistat FAQ.
Upmalis DH, Cone FL, Lamia CA, et al.Single-dose miconazole nitrate vaginal ovule in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis: Two single-blind, controlled studies versus miconazole nitrate 100 mg cream for 7 days.J Womens Health Gend Based Med. 2000;9(4):421-429. doi:10.1089/15246090050020745
National Library of Medicine.Monistat tioconazole 1 - tioconazole ointment.
National Library of Medicine.Monistat 1 combination pack - miconazole nitrate kit.
National Library of Medicine.Miconazole vaginal.
Farr A, Effendy I, Frey Tirri B, et al.Guideline: Vulvovaginal candidosis (AWMF 015/072, level S2k).Mycoses. 2021;64(6):583-602. doi:10.1111/myc
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.
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