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EffectivenessTooltip iconMost voted positive review16 People found this comment helpful I rarely have yeast infections, and used to (like many women) confuse bacterial vaginosis with yeast infections. If you have a bacterial infection, you will experience SO much pain using Monistat. I made that mistake before and will never again. This time around I bought the vagisil tester kit to determine if it was yeast or bacterial. This time it was yeast and the Monistat didn't burn at all. I ... Most voted negative review7 People found this comment helpful I've used Monistat 7 for years and it worked great. When I got a yeast infection recently, after 15 years of not having one, I tried Monistat 3. It burned terribly and didn't cure my infection. A week later, I tried Monistat 7 and it burned so bad I was crying. I then spent 6 frustrating months trying various cures prescribed by my doctor and from what I read on the internet. I even tried Mon... IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT USER-GENERATED CONTENT ON WEBMDThe opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Read More Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ | Prevention | Alternatives If you’re suffering from a vaginal yeast infection, you’re not alone— about 75% of women will experience a yeast infection at least once. Yeast infections are most commonly caused by a fungus called Candida albicans and cause pesky symptoms such as itching, burning, and discharge. Vagisil and Monistat are two popular over-the-counter (OTC) medications commonly chosen by women for yeast infection treatment. Vagisil contains benzocaine and resorcinol, which work as external analgesics, relieving symptoms of burning and itching. Monistat contains miconazole, which is an antifungal that stops the growth of the fungus that is causing yeast infection. While both medications are used for vaginal symptoms, such as itching and discomfort, they are very different medications in terms of ingredients and how they work. What are the main differences between Vagisil and Monistat?Vagisil is an OTC local anesthetic cream containing benzocaine 5% and resorcinol 2%. There is also a Vagisil maximum strength formulation which contains benzocaine 20% and resorcinol 3%, as well as a Vagisil sensitive anti-itch cream which contains hydrocortisone 1%, a steroid that helps with external itching. Although Vagisil is often thought of as a yeast infection treatment, it does not actually cure yeast infections. Monistat is an OTC antifungal cream that contains the active ingredient miconazole nitrate. Monistat is available in a variety of formulations: a one-day (Monistat 1), three-day (Monistat 3), or seven-day (Monistat 7) treatment. You can buy Monistat as an internal vaginal cream or suppository. Some types of Monistat are available as a combination pack, with a tube of miconazole 2% cream that you can use externally to relieve symptoms. RELATED: Vagisil details | Monistat details | Miconazole details
Conditions treated by Vagisil vs. MonistatVagisil contains benzocaine and resorcinol, which are local anesthetics used externally to relieve itching and irritation. Vagisil does not contain an antifungal, so while it may relieve symptoms externally, it will not treat the source of the yeast infection. Monistat contains the antifungal miconazole and is used vaginally, both internally and externally, to treat yeast infections. Is Vagisil or Monistat more effective?It is difficult to compare the two drugs because they work differently. Vagisil can help with external itching, but will not cure a yeast infection. Therefore, if the itching is due to a yeast infection, Vagisil may help relieve symptoms temporarily, but will not cure the yeast infection that is causing the symptoms. If you are experiencing itching due to local irritation not associated with a yeast infection, Vagisil may be helpful, while Monistat would not be an effective treatment. Monistat has been shown to be effective as an antifungal and will help cure a yeast infection. Using the external cream in the combination pack (in addition to using the internal cream at bedtime) can help relieve symptoms while you wait for the infection to be cured. You can always check with your doctor to see if Vagisil or Monistat is an appropriate choice for you because he or she should be familiar with your medical condition(s) and history. Want the best price on Vagisil?Sign up for Vagisil price alerts and find out when the price changes! Get price alerts Coverage and cost comparison of Vagisil vs. MonistatBecause Vagisil and Monistat are available OTC, they are typically not covered by insurance. Occasionally, an insurance plan may cover the generic form of Monistat. You can use a SingleCare card to save on Vagisil or Monistat, but you’ll need your doctor to write a prescription in order to process the SingleCare savings. Even though the drugs are both OTC, the SingleCare card will only work with a prescription.
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. Common side effects of Vagisil vs. MonistatThe most common side effects of Vagisil include local skin irritation or inflammation and skin peeling. Other, less common side effects that may occur include itching or redness, hives, stinging, and an allergic reaction. The most common side effects of Monistat include headache, local burning sensation or irritation, and lower stomach cramping. An allergic reaction is very rare, but you should seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur. Symptoms can include swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, dizziness, and/or rash. Other side effects may occur. Consult your gynecologist for a full list of side effects. Drug interactions of Vagisil vs. MonistatBoth drugs have very few drug interactions since they are used topically. Vagisil should not be used with retinoids, such as adapalene or tretinoin, because the combination could be too irritating to the skin. Monistat should not be used in combination with Coumadin (warfarin), an anticoagulant that is also known as a blood thinner. The combination could lead to increased levels of warfarin in the body, which could lead to bleeding. Consult your healthcare provider for more information on drug interactions of Vagisil or Monistat. Warnings of Vagisil and MonistatVagisil warnings:
Monistat warnings:
If you are pregnant, consult your doctor about the appropriate treatment for a yeast infection and/or vaginal itching. Frequently asked questions about Vagisil vs. MonistatWhat is Vagisil?Vagisil is an OTC cream that contains local anesthetics called benzocaine and resorcinol. It can help relieve vaginal itching and irritation, but will not cure an underlying infection. What is Monistat?Monistat contains miconazole, an antifungal used to treat vaginal yeast infections. It is available OTC in a variety of formulations as a one-day, three-day, or seven-day treatment. The internal cream comes with disposable applicators and is used at bedtime. Some formulations of Monistat also contain a tube of miconazole cream to be used externally. Does Monistat burn if you don’t have a yeast infection?Monistat may cause a mild increase of vaginal burning, itching, and irritation when used, even without a yeast infection. The vaginal area is sensitive in general and prone to these side effects when applying any type of medication there. However, burning may be worse if you already have a yeast infection present. This is because Monistat may worsen vaginal discomfort that is caused by a yeast infection. Additionally, the shorter the duration of treatment, the more potent the medication is. Therefore, if you are prone to vaginal irritation from vaginal products in general, it may be better to try the three-day or seven-day treatment instead of the one-day treatment. Can Monistat cause burning?: How to stop monistat burningOne way to reduce the risk of irritation with Monistat is to use the combination pack that comes with external itch relief cream. To reduce the chances of side effects, use the ovule insert as directed, apply the external cream to the outside of the vagina only, and dry the genital area thoroughly after a shower, bath, or swim. Another important thing to remember is to not scratch the area, no matter how tempting it may be. Scratching can break the skin, potentially worsening irritation and increasing the risk of infection. Overall, it is normal to feel a mild increase of burning when taking Monistat, but if it becomes worse or intolerable, it is important to stop taking it and seek medical help. Are Vagisil and Monistat the same?No. Vagisil helps relieve itching but does not cure infections. Monistat contains an antifungal, so it can help cure a yeast infection. Which is the best vaginal itch cream?: Vagisil vs. MonistatIf you have local itching that is not associated with a yeast infection, Vagisil may be sufficient to relieve symptoms. However, if your symptoms are due to a yeast infection, you need treatment with an antifungal, such as Monistat, to cure the infection. Can I use Vagisil with Monistat?While Vagisil and Monistat do not interact, it may be best to not use them together. Monistat’s product insert says that it should not be used with any other vaginal products because they may interfere with its effectiveness. Another thing to note is that using Vagisil with Monistat may make it difficult to see if Monistat is working to treat a yeast infection. Vagisil could cover up yeast infection side effects. If Monistat is ineffective and it is hard to tell, it could delay seeking medical care. However, it is best to consult a healthcare provider to see if it is okay to use these two products together based on individual circumstances. Can I use Vagisil or Monistat while pregnant?Yeast infections can be common in pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, treatment with a vaginal suppository or cream is recommended under the care of your doctor. Ask your OB/GYN if it is safe for you to use Monistat. The manufacturer of Vagisil states that you should contact your doctor before using Vagisil if you are pregnant. Can I use Vagisil or Monistat with alcohol?The manufacturers of Vagisil and Monistat do not list any contraindications with alcohol. However, alcohol can increase the risk of yeast infections, so if you are experiencing a yeast infection or are prone to recurrent yeast infections, you may want to skip the alcohol. Does Vagisil work for yeast infections?No. Vagisil will help relieve itching but does not contain an antifungal to help the source of the infection. There is a product called Vagistat, from the manufacturers of Vagisil, which contains miconazole in an internal and external cream, similar to Monistat 3. If you are looking to cure a yeast infection, you will want to choose a product that contains an antifungal agent (such as Vagistat or Monistat), but not Vagisil. Which Monistat is most effective?All three formulations of Monistat are similarly effective in treating yeast infections in approximately the same amount of time. If you are not feeling better in three days, or you have symptoms for more than seven days, see your doctor. How long does it take for Monistat to work?Regardless of which product you choose, it can take up to seven days until you are fully cured. What cures a yeast infection fast?Using an antifungal medication as directed can be very helpful for fast relief. Studies have shown that creams and oral pills work in more than 90% of cases. How do I treat recurring yeast infections?You should talk to your doctor if you get four or more yeast infections per year because you may need to take prescription antifungal medicine for a few weeks or longer. This occurs in less than 5% of women. However, being immunocompromised increases the risk of recurrent yeast infections. You should also see your doctor if you do not have improvement within three days or if you have symptoms for more than seven days after starting a treatment. If you experience serious side effects, such as developing a rash, hives, abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea vomiting, foul smelling vaginal discharge, or severe vaginal burning, stop the treatment and seek medical help. Yeast infection PreventionThe following lifestyle tips promote vaginal health and may help to prevent yeast infections:
Yeast infection alternatives to Monistat and VagisilThere are some alternatives to Monistat and Vagisil for treating and alleviating the symptoms of a yeast infection. They should never be used internally without consulting a doctor. These alternatives include:
Is MONISTAT 3 stronger than MONISTAT 7?The difference is in the dose: MONISTAT® 1 is the highest dose and is delivered in a single treatment (1 day) MONISTAT® 3 is a regular strength dose applied over 3 treatments (3 days) MONISTAT® 7 is the low dose applied over 7 treatments (7 days)
Which type of MONISTAT is most effective?Our highest dose MONISTAT® 1 has the most concentrated dose, with the full treatment necessary packed into a single powerful dose for maximum convenience. Regular strength MONISTAT® 3 and low dose MONISTAT® 7 offer treatment with less concentrated doses, but are just as effective at curing yeast infections.
Can I use MONISTAT 7 for 3 days?No you should continue until treatment is finished. Vaginal yeast infections respond best to 7-day treatments and tend to come back if medicine is stopped early.
How long does it take for MONISTAT 3 to clear up a yeast infection?Use as directed. All MONISTAT® products can take up to 7 days to fully cure a yeast infection.
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