miconazole nitrate at a glance
Medicine class
Topical imidazole antifungal
Selected products treat
Athlete’s foot
Applied to
Affected skin; keep away from the eyes
Important interaction
Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists may have an increased anticoagulant effect
What is miconazole nitrate used for?
The selected products have product-specific licences.
Cream: treatment of athlete’s foot.
Spray powder: treatment and prevention of athlete’s foot.
How does miconazole nitrate work?
Miconazole disrupts fungal cell-membrane function, making the membrane abnormally permeable and inhibiting or killing susceptible fungi. It also has some antibacterial activity.
miconazole nitrate preparations and strengths
Cream
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 2%, 2% w/w
How to take miconazole nitrate
For use on the skin only. Follow the product leaflet. Wash and dry the affected feet, especially between the toes, before application.
Rub cream gently into affected skin until absorbed, then wash your hands.
Shake the spray-powder can and hold it away from the skin while spraying; avoid breathing in the powder.
Keep both formulations away from the eyes. Do not use spray powder on broken skin, nails or hair.
Keep feet clean and dry, change socks regularly, and avoid sharing towels, socks or shoes.
miconazole nitrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Local burning, irritation, itching, warmth or inflammation
- Redness or rash
- Temporary skin discolouration or reduced pigmentation
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and difficulty breathing
- Unexpected bleeding or bruising when used with warfarin or another vitamin K antagonist
miconazole nitrate in pregnancy
Only small amounts are expected to be absorbed through the skin, but the selected product information advises caution during pregnancy. Ask a pharmacist, doctor or midwife whether the product and formulation are suitable.
miconazole nitrate while breastfeeding
Topical absorption is minimal, but it is unknown whether miconazole passes into breast milk, so the selected product information advises caution. Obtain professional advice and prevent the baby from touching treated skin.
miconazole nitrate interactions
Clinically important interactions are uncommon after skin application, but an anticoagulant interaction remains possible.
Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists
Miconazole can inhibit CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, potentially increasing anticoagulant effects and bleeding risk; concurrent use requires caution and anticoagulation monitoring.
Common questions about miconazole nitrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for on the feet?
The selected cream and spray-powder products are licensed for athlete’s foot. Spray powder is also licensed to help prevent athlete’s foot.
Can spray powder be used on broken skin?
No. The selected spray powder must not be used on broken skin.
Can it be used with warfarin?
It may increase warfarin’s anticoagulant effect and bleeding risk. Check with the anticoagulation clinician, doctor or pharmacist before use; monitoring may be required.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.