Yeast infection treatment
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- Monistat 1 Combination Pack. Best for: A single-dose course. See options on Amazon
- Monistat 3 Combination Pack. Best for: A 3-night course. See options on Amazon
- Monistat 7 cream. Best for: A lower-strength 7-night course. See options on Amazon
Monistat 1, 3 and 7 compared
| Product | Miconazole per dose | How it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Monistat 1 Combination Pack | 1200 mg vaginal insert | One insert, plus 2% external cream for itching |
| Monistat 3 Combination Pack | 200 mg vaginal insert | One insert at bedtime for 3 nights, plus 2% external cream |
| Monistat 7 | 2% cream | One applicatorful at bedtime for 7 nights in a row |
Details are from each product's DailyMed label. All are for adults and children 12 and over; for children under 12, ask a doctor. The external cream can be used on itchy, irritated skin outside the vagina 2 times daily for up to 7 days, as needed.
Who should use OTC treatment
The Monistat labels say do not use them if you have never had a vaginal yeast infection diagnosed by a doctor. OTC treatment is meant for people who recognize the symptoms from a past, confirmed infection.
Ask a doctor before use if you have:
- vaginal itching and discomfort for the first time
- lower abdominal, back or shoulder pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, which may mean a more serious condition
- vaginal yeast infections often, such as once a month or 3 in 6 months, which could point to pregnancy or an underlying cause such as diabetes or a weakened immune system
- been exposed to HIV
While using it
- No other vaginal products. Do not use tampons, douches, spermicides or other vaginal products during treatment.
- Contraception. Condoms and diaphragms may be damaged and fail to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.
- No intercourse during treatment.
- Expect some irritation. A mild increase in vaginal burning, itching or irritation may occur.
- Warfarin. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you take the blood thinner warfarin, because bleeding or bruising may occur.
Read the enclosed consumer information leaflet before use, as the labels direct. For period products to use after treatment, see our period underwear guide.
1-day, 3-day or 7-day?
All three use the same antifungal. The 1-day option puts the full course into a single higher-strength insert, while the 7-day cream spreads lower-strength doses over a week. Some people prefer the shorter courses for convenience; others prefer the cream for its gentler nightly dose. Whichever you choose, the labels say that if you do not get complete relief, ask a doctor before using another product.
Whichever course you use, keep track of the day you started. The labels set two checkpoints: symptoms should get better within 3 days, and they should not last more than 7 days. If either checkpoint is missed, stop and see a doctor rather than starting a second box.
When to stop and see a doctor
Stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms do not get better in 3 days, symptoms last more than 7 days, or you get a rash or hives, abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Itching and discharge can have other causes that need different treatment, so do not keep treating on your own if the pattern keeps coming back. For urinary symptoms, see our at-home UTI test strips guide.
Ingredients and comfort
The Monistat 3 inserts are made with gelatin, glycerin, a hydrogenated vegetable oil base and titanium dioxide, and the external cream includes ingredients such as cetyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, propylene glycol and stearyl alcohol. If you have sensitivities, compare inactive ingredients before you buy. The Monistat 3 and 7 labels direct use at bedtime, which helps the medicine stay in place overnight. A panty liner can help with leakage; avoid tampons until treatment is finished.
What to look for when you buy
Monistat 1 Combination Pack
Best for: A single-dose course
Its label lists one miconazole nitrate 1200 mg insert plus 2% external cream.
Watch out: Only if a doctor diagnosed a yeast infection before.
See options on AmazonMonistat 3 Combination Pack
Best for: A 3-night course
Its label lists miconazole nitrate 200 mg inserts with 2% external cream.
Watch out: Stop and ask a doctor if no improvement in 3 days.
See options on AmazonMonistat 7 cream
Best for: A lower-strength 7-night course
Its label lists miconazole nitrate 2% cream, 1 applicatorful at bedtime for 7 nights.
Watch out: Condoms and diaphragms may be damaged during treatment.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Which Monistat is best, 1, 3 or 7?
- All use miconazole; they differ in strength per dose and number of nights. Choose with a pharmacist if unsure.
- Can I use Monistat for my first yeast infection?
- No. The labels say ask a doctor if this is your first vaginal itching and discomfort.
- How long does it take to feel better?
- Stop and ask a doctor if symptoms do not improve in 3 days or last more than 7 days.
- Can I have sex during treatment?
- The labels say do not have vaginal intercourse, and condoms and diaphragms may be damaged.
- Can I use tampons during treatment?
- No. The labels say do not use tampons, douches, spermicides or other vaginal products.
Sources
- Monistat 7 (miconazole nitrate 2%) cream label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Monistat 3 Combination Pack (miconazole nitrate) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Monistat 1 Combination Pack (miconazole nitrate) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine