Terconazole vs Monistat – difference:
Terconazole
This medication is an azole antifungal that works by stopping the growth of yeast which causes the infection.
Uses
It is typically used to for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis, an infection of the female vagina and vulva and a type of mucocutaneous candidiasis. The disorder is described by inflammation in the setting of Candida species and results in vaginitis symptoms of erythema and itching.
Dosage
To use the cream, fill the special applicator which comes with the cream to the level indicated. Insert one full applicator of vaginal cream into the vagina at bedtime for one week. Moreover, apply a thin layer of vaginal cream directly to the vulva.
After using, pull the plunger completely out of the applicator and wash both pieces with soapy water, and dry thoroughly. Also, wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
Side Effects And Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- headaches;
- vaginal pain, burning, or itching;
- body pain;
- increased menstrual cramps;
- stomach pain.
Rare side effects may include:
- fever, chills, flu symptoms;
- new or worsening symptoms;
- a skin rash which spreads in the face or upper body;
- skin pain;
- severe vaginal irritation;
- burning in your eyes;
- swelling of the face or tongue;
- a sore throat;
- high temperature (fever).
To make sure that this medication is safe for you, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- vaginal discharge with a bad odor;
- vomiting;
- pelvic pain;
- chills;
- kidney problems;
- any medical conditions, for instance, type 2 diabetes mellitus or liver problems;
- if you have been exposed to human immunodeficiency virus;
- if you are having vaginal itching or discomfort for the first time.
Pregnancy
It is not known exactly whether this medication passes into breast milk, therefore, do not use it without first talking to your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding an infant.
Moreover, it is not known whether this medication will negatively affect the unborn baby, so tell your healthcare provider if you plan to become pregnant or are pregnant while using this azole antifungal.
Miconazole (Monistat)
It belongs to the class of drugs called azole antifungals. It works by killing the yeast which is causing the infection.
Uses
The medication is typically used for the treatment of pityriasis, a type of skin rash that causes lightening/darkening of the skin of the arms, chest, legs, and neck.
In addition, it is used for the treatment of skin infections, such as – ringworm, athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (a fungal infection in the inner thigh and buttocks) and other fungal infections.
Also, it is used experimentally as a hair restoration remedy for individuals who have experienced androgenic alopecia (also known as male-pattern hair loss) as well as for individuals who generally suffer from the sporadic shedding of hair.
Dosage
The medication comes as a cream, vaginal cream, mouth gel, and vaginal pessaries. Use the antifungal once a day at bedtime for 1 to 7 nights, depending on the product used and your condition.
Relief of symptoms should be observed within 3 days, and complete relief should occur within one week. If your condition does not improve, contact your doctor.
Notes
This medication is for use on the skin only. If you accidentally swallow some of it, go to the emergency and accident department of your local hospital. In addition, make sure you do not spray the medication near your eyes. In case it happens, wash your eyes as soon as possible with cool water.
Continue to use this antifungal every day for the full time prescribed, even if signs and symptoms disappear after a few days of treatment or if your menstrual period starts.
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- dry mouth;
- change in taste;
- headaches;
- diarrhea;
- loss of taste;
- itching skin;
- sores on the tongue;
- nausea;
- redness and swelling of the gums.
Rare side effects may include:
- weakness;
- abdominal or stomach pain;
- upper abdominal or stomach pain;
- loss of appetite;
- unexplained weight loss.
Pregnancy
Because there are no conclusive clinical studies regarding the safe use of this antifungal during pregnancy, only use it if it’s absolutely necessary.
Alcohol
The medication does not get absorbed into the human body to a great extent, therefore, drinking alcohol will probably not negatively interfere with this antifungal medication.
Drug Interactions
It may affect the way other drugs work, especially:
- buspirone, an anxiolytic drug that is mainly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder;
- type 2 diabetes medicine;
- disopyramide;
- phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek);
- alprazolam, a medication used for the treatment of panic disorders, anxiety disorders, and anxiety caused by depression;
- nateglinide;
- busulfan, a cell cycle non-specific alkylating antineoplastic agent;
- protease inhibitors for HIV infection;
- calcium-channel blockers like felodipine or nifedipine;
- ranolazine;
- rapaflo;
- carbamazepine, a medication used mainly in the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain;
- phenytoin;
- vyvanse;
- ciclosporin;
- sirolimus, a macrolide compound that is used to prevent organ transplant rejection;
- cilostazol;
- rifabutin;
- dulera;
- fosphenytoin;
- reboxetine;
- blood thinner medicine such as – warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
- an ergot medicine;
- tacrolimus.
Storage
Protect the medication from moisture. Store it at room temperature, 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°). Keep all medicines out of reach of children.
Terconazole vs Miconazole (Monistate) – Which Is Better?
According to studies, there are no significant differences between 7 days of treatment with 100-mg miconazole nitrate or 3 days of treatment with 80-mg terconazole. Therefore, both medications are a highly effective, well-tolerated therapy for Candida infections.
Image source – Shutterstock
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References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2099320 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25877666 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00803738