How Long Does Monistat 1 Stay Inside You?

Monistat 1 is an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medication that treats vaginal yeast infections.

This article will discuss a few types of Monistat and provide detailed information about the medication.

How Long Does Monistat 1 Stay Inside You?

First, to clarify, there are two variations of Monistat 1, each containing OTC antifungal medicine:

• Monistat 1-Day Treatment Combination Pack: This contains miconazole 1200 milligrams (mg) in the form of an ovule (a soft, egg-shaped form of medication that dissolves once inserted) that is inserted vaginally as a one-time treatment. It also contains a small tube of 2% miconazole cream that can be applied externally to the affected area twice a day for symptom relief for up to seven days.
• Monistat 1-Day Treatment Prefilled Ointment: This product contains one prefilled applicator of 6.5% tioconazole ointment inserted vaginally as a one-time treatment.

Now, to the question of how long Monistat 1 stays inside you. The answer is a bit complicated.

In pharmacy, the term "half-life" is used to help figure out how long it takes a drug to clear from the body. However, for both formulations of Monistat 1, the half-life is unknown. So, it can't be said for sure exactly how long the medication stays inside you.

However, these medications are one-dose treatments and have the following guidelines:

• Most individuals see some (not complete) improvement within one day
• Most individuals have complete improvement by the seventh day
• People who do not notice symptom improvement by the third day should call their healthcare provider, as do those with symptoms lasting more than seven days.
  

How Does Monistat Work?

Both medications contain azole antifungals, which are antifungal medications that end with the suffix azole.

Monistat 1 Combination Pack contains miconazole.

Monistat 1 Prefilled Ointment contains tioconazole.

Azole antifungals work by stopping the growth of fungus that causes yeast infection.

How Do I Know Which Monistat to Take?

Contact your healthcare provider if this is your first time experiencing the following symptoms of a yeast infection:

• Burning
• Itching
• White "cottage cheese-like" discharge

It is important to determine what type of infection you have, so that you can treat it properly.

Sometimes, vaginal yeast infections have similar symptoms to other conditions, such as:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV), or
• Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia

Your healthcare provider can recommend the best treatment.

Once you're familiar with yeast infection symptoms and a healthcare provider has diagnosed you, you can likely treat yourself with an OTC medication such as Monistat moving forward.

There are several formulations of Monistat. The manufacturer notes that regardless of which product you choose, all Monistat products are similarly effective in curing a yeast infection in the same amount of time.

The manufacturer also notes that if your symptoms do not get better in three days - or symptoms last more than one week - you should:

• Stop using Monistat, and
• Contact your healthcare provider

This is because a more serious health condition may be present.

Monistat is available as:

• Monistat 1 products, as described above. They're the highest strength and are one-day, one-dose products
• Monistat 3 is a regular-strength product. It is used daily for three days.
• Monistat 7 is the lowest dose. It is used daily for seven days.
  

What Does the Research Say?

Monistat has been studied in clinical trials.

Researchers found that the one-day treatment of a vaginal miconazole ovule was safe and effective.

Individuals who used the one-day treatment felt better faster than the seven-day treatment with vaginal cream.

Also, the people who participated in the study preferred the ovule to the cream.

Who Shouldn't Take Monistat 1?

You should not use Monistat 1 products if you are allergic to the following:

• Miconazole
• Tioconazole
• Any azole antifungals
• Any ingredient in the medication
  

What Can I Do If I Miss a Dose of Monistat 1?

Since Monistat 1 only requires one treatment, you do not have to worry about missing a dose.

If you are using Monistat 3 or Monistat 7 and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.

However, you can skip the missed dose if it's almost time for the next one.

Do not use extra medication to make up for a missed dose.

What Are the Side Effects of Monistat?

Serious side effects have not been reported.

Common side effects of both Monistat 1 products include:

• Vulvovaginal (tissues in the vulva and vagina) burning, itching, soreness, and/or swelling
• Stomach or pelvic (lower abdomen) pain
• Pelvic cramps

What Else Should I Know About Monistat 1?

Here are some other things you should know about Monistat 1:

• You may have a temporary mild increase in vaginal symptoms like burning and irritation.
• Stop using Monistat and call your healthcare provider if you have a rash, hives, fever, chills, vaginal discharge that smells bad, or stomach issues like nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
• Monistat 1 is for use in adults and children 12 years and older. For children under 12 years old, consult a healthcare provider.
• Consult your healthcare provider if you have frequent yeast infections (once a month or at least three in six months). You could be pregnant or have a health condition like diabetes or a weakened immune system. Individuals with frequent vaginal yeast infections may need an oral antifungal such as Diflucan (fluconazole).
• Ask your healthcare provider before using Monistat if you have been exposed to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; the virus that causes AIDS)
• Ask your healthcare provider before using Monistat if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What Are Some Ways to Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infections?

Here are some tips that may help prevent vaginal yeast infections.

You can also ask your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

• Avoid douching.
• Do not use scented feminine products. This includes scented bubble baths, sprays, pads, and tampons.
• During your menstrual period, change pads and/or tampons frequently.
• Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting cotton clothes. Avoid tight underwear, hosiery, tight pants, and jeans, which can create moisture in the genital area.
• After swimming or exercising, change out of wet or sweaty clothes as quickly as possible.
• Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.
• Avoid hot tubs. Keep showers and baths lukewarm, avoiding very hot water.
• If you have diabetes, take extra care to keep your blood sugar in the target range as much as possible.
  

Summary

Monistat 1, available in two formulations, is a one-day treatment for vaginal yeast infection.

You should not use Monistat 1 for the first time until a healthcare provider diagnoses you with a vaginal yeast infection.

The prescribing information does not indicate exactly how long the one-dose treatment stays inside the body.

However, it does indicate that you may start to feel a bit better on the first day, with a complete cure by the seventh day.

You should consult your healthcare provider for medical advice if you get frequent yeast infections.