How To Use Monistat 3

How to use Monistat 3?

One of the most frequently asked questions among people who are using Monistat 3, especially those using it for the first time, is “how can I use Monistat 3”? Your doctor or pharmacist might have prescribed Monistat 3 when you complained of itching in your vagina and also an unusual discharge coming out from there.

Yeast infections have become common, and so several treatments have been formulated to treat them, one of such is Monistat 3. Monistat 3 is azole antifungal medicine used in treating vaginal yeast infections such as cutaneous candidiasis, intertrigo, and other types of vaginal fungal infections.

Although Monistat 3 is an over-the-counter medicine, it’s best to consult your doctor before using it, because sometimes, what you might suspect to be a yeast infection, might be a bacterial infection, as symptoms can be similar, and Monistat 3 does not treat any condition that isn’t a fungal condition.

Yeast infections develop as a result of an overgrowth of a fungus called candida. You probably typed “how to use Monistat 3” after your doctor had diagnosed you of having a yeast infection and prescribing the drug to you. Not to worry. This article covers all you need to know about how to use Monistat 3, and by the time you’re done reading it, you’ll be able to use it safely and effectively.

What Is Monistat 3?

Before we get into how to use Monistat 3, let’s first understand what the medicine is. As we’ve said, Monistat 3 is an antifungal medicine used in treating vaginal yeast infections, relieves vaginal burning or itching, and reduces the vaginal discharge that follows the development of yeast infections.

Monistat 3 is available in different forms: Pre-filled cream, Suppository, and Ovule which usually comes with an external itch cream for symptom relief. All forms of Monistat 3 contain the active ingredient miconazole nitrate.

Monistat 3 treats vaginal yeast infections five times faster than the leading prescription pill, it has been clinically tested and proven to be a safe antifungal treatment, and it is the No. 1 doctor and gynecologist-recommended brand.

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Monistat 3 Ingredients

Monistat 3 is made with the active ingredient miconazole nitrate, along with other inactive ingredients such as hydrogenated vegetable oil base, benzoic acid, Cetearyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, polysorbate 60, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, purified water, and stearyl alcohol.

How Does Monistat 3 Work

Monistat 3 works by cutting the growth of candida – the fungus causing the infection. Once the growth is inhibited, you’ll begin to feel relief from your symptoms, and the abnormal vaginal discharge decreases until it’s no longer there.

How Long Before Monistat 3 Works?

You may notice that your symptoms improve the moment you use the medicine, however, most times it takes 3 days for symptoms to begin to improve, or for improvement to be noticed. Your symptoms should begin to disappear from the third day of treatment at least and continue to progress until your prescription is over, which could last up to 7 days.

But if after 3-7 days of treatment and you don’t notice any improvement, consult your doctor, you most likely may not have a yeast infection or you’ve not been using the medicine as you should.

Depending on what form of Monistat 3 you’re using, your doctor or pharmacist will prescribe an appropriate dosage of the medicine, as all 3 forms of Monistat 3 come in different doses, however, each form comes with an applicator to help you in applying the medicine.

Whether you got your prescription from your doctor or your local pharmacist, you should be instructed on how to use Monistat 3 properly to ensure the best results, and as a bonus, instructions on how to use the medicine is also written on its label. Read and follow the instructions carefully.

Instructions you may read on the label of the drug, or that your doctor may give to you on how to use Monistat 3 may go this way:

Wash your hands properly with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel before using Monistat 3 to avoid contaminating the medicine.
If you’re using either the suppository form or the ovule form of Monistat 3, first remove it from its blister pack, then place it on the wider end of the applicator it comes with.

Meanwhile, if you’re using the cream, they’re usually pre-filled, so all you have to do is to unscrew the cap from the applicator.

Standing with your feet slightly apart and your knees bent or lying on your back with your knees pull up together, whichever position is most comfortable for you, make sure to push the applicator with the medicine on it, as far deep into your vagina as you can so it doesn’t come out easily.
There’s a plunger on the applicator, so when the applicator is properly in place, push the plunger with one hand, while holding the barrel with another, to release the medicine safely without spilling, into your vagina.
Dispose of the applicator when you’re done and wash your hands again with soap and water.
Monistat 3 leaks, especially the cream form, so to get the best result and reduce leakage, try to use it before bedtime so it can easily stay in place for a longer time.
Usually, Monistat 3 should be used once a day, but sometimes, depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may instruct that you use it twice a day, and that’s usually once during the daytime and once at night.

To prevent the embarrassment that could occur when the medicine leaks out and soils your cloth, either use the ovule form of Monistat 3 which is the least messy form of all other forms of Monistat 3, so it could take longer before it leaks out. However, it takes longer doesn’t mean it won’t leak. So an additional precaution you should take is to use unscented sanitary pads or panty liners in your underwear while using Monistat 3.

If you experience itching or burning sensation around your vagina, even after you’ve applied the medicine, you could use the anti-itch cream around that area. Simply place a bit of the cream on your fingertip and apply it on your vulva and other external areas of your vagina where you feel the itch.
For full effect and a better result from using Monistat 3, try not to skip your doses, as this could promote the risk of development of infections that become resistant to the effect of Monistat 3. So always take the medicine as prescribed, and at the right time.

If you forget to take a dose, as soon as you remember, take it. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and keep on with your regular dosing schedule, but try not to make it a habit to forget.

Don’t try to double dose to make up for your missed dose, even though an overdose is unlikely to cause any complications. but if you’re worried you may have overdosed, contact your doctor or a poison control center.

Monistat 3 Side Effects

Like most drugs, you’ll likely experience some side effects from using Monistat 3, usually, they’re mild, and rarely severe.

Some common mild side effects of Monistat 3 include:

Mild tingly or burning feeling around the vagina
Headache
Lower abdominal discomfort

Then less commonly you may experience:

Increased vaginal discharge
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Allergic reactions such as skin rash, hives, and shortness of breath

These are not all the possible side effects that could come with the drug, so be sure to let your doctor or pharmacist of any discomfort you feel while using Monistat 3. Also, let your doctor know if any of these side effects persist for a long time or if they worsen.

Can I Have Sex While Using Monistat 3

It is not advised to have vaginal sex while you’re still using Monistat 3, because it could:

Cause further irritation in your vagina
Weaken latex and diaphragms, so may increase your risk of getting infected with a sexually transmitted disease or having an unplanned pregnancy
Interfere with the result of your treatment

Drug Interactions with Monistat 3

To use Monistat 3 effectively, you need to be aware of the drugs that could interact with it and tamper with the results of your treatment, but it’s unlikely that any drug, whether taken orally or injected, could interact with Monistat 3. Regardless, let your doctor know of any medication you may be on before you start using Monistat 3.

Warnings

Before you begin to use Monistat 3:

Don’t use douches, spermicides, or any other vaginal products
Let your doctor know if you’re allergic to Monistat 3 or any other azole antifungal medicines like fluconazole
Don’t use Monistat 3 if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor says so.

Conclusion

How to use Monistat 3 is not rocket science. The medicine is easy to use and if you follow the instructions properly and carefully, you’ll achieve fast and efficient relief from your symptoms.

What Is Monistat 3?

Monistat 3 Ingredients

How Does Monistat 3 Work

How Long Before Monistat 3 Works?