Miconazole oral gel is a medication that kills fungi. It is used to treat fungal and yeast infections in several areas of the body. The gel has slight antibiotic properties and works to eliminate some opportunistic bacterial infections that occur in conjunction with fungi. This treatment is most commonly used for oral candidiasis and has few side effects.
This medicine works by causing holes to develop in the fungal cell membrane. The cell contents then leach from the holes, causing the fungi to die. This mechanism works both when the medicine is applied topically and when it is taken internally. Miconazole has a very low toxicity and can be used on adults and children, including infants as young as four months of age.
The gel is applied topically in the mouth to treat oral fungal infections. Treatment usually requires several applications daily, continuing for at least two days after symptoms are gone. Miconazole oral gel is effective against one of the most common oral fungi, candidiasis. Oral candidiasis, or oral thrush, can also cause angular cheilitis — cracks or redness that develop at the corners of the mouth. This condition can also be treated with topical applications of miconazole.
Fungal infections sometimes occur internally in the throat, stomach, or intestines. Miconazole oral gel is taken internally to treat these types of fungal infections. The gel, once applied in the mouth, is absorbed through the mucus membranes and travels throughout the bloodstream. It also reaches internal fungal infections by being swallowed after application in the mouth.
Dentures can harbor colonies of oral candidiasis. Patients with oral thrush who also wear dentures should treat the dentures concurrently with their mouths. Miconazole oral gel can be applied to the dentures with a toothbrush or by using a clean finger to rub the medicine onto the orthodontics. The dentures should be removed prior to application of the gel.
Miconazole has few side effects, and most lessen with repeated use. Patients should contact their doctors if they experience any significant discomfort or unusual symptoms while using this medicine. Allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing, impaired swallowing, or hives, are among the most serious side effects.
This medication may cause adverse reactions when taken with certain other medicines. Patients should inform their doctors of all medicines they are taking, both prescription and over the counter. In particular, patients taking certain cholesterol-lowering medications, ergotamine, or triazolam should not use miconazole without discussing the risks with their doctors.