Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered.

This medicine should come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

To use the vaginal cream:

  • The vaginal cream comes in a tube. You will use an applicator to put the cream into your vagina.
  • The applicator is an empty plastic tube called a barrel. There is a plunger on one end and an opening on the other end.
  • Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
  • Remove the cap from the end of the tube. Screw the open end of the applicator onto the tube of cream.
  • Squeeze the tube and fill the applicator until it is full or the plunger stops.
  • Unscrew the applicator from the tube and replace the cap on the tube.
  • To use the applicator: Lie on your back with your knees drawn up toward your chest. Hold the applicator by the open end of the barrel and gently insert it into the vagina as far as it will comfortably go. Slowly press the plunger of the applicator to release the cream into the vagina, and then gently remove it.
  • After using, pull the plunger completely out of the applicator and wash both pieces with lukewarm, soapy water, and dry thoroughly.
  • If the medicine comes with disposable applicators, use each applicator only once, and then throw it away.

To use the vaginal suppository:

  • The oval-shaped suppositories may be inserted with or without an applicator.
  • Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
  • If you are using it with an applicator, unwrap the tablet and place the flat end of the suppository into the open end of the applicator. Then, lie on your back with knees drawn up toward your chest. Gently insert the applicator high into the vagina and push the plunger to release the tablet. After using, pull the plunger completely out of the applicator and wash both pieces with lukewarm, soapy water and dry thoroughly. If the medicine comes with disposable applicators, use each applicator only once, and then throw it away.
  • If you are inserting the tablet without an applicator, lie on your back with knees towards your chest, and place the suppository on the tip of your finger. Gently insert the suppository high into the vagina as far as it will comfortably go.

Avoid wearing tight jeans, nylon underwear, pantyhose and wet bathing suits which can cause yeast infection. Instead, wear looser pants or skirts, dry and clean cotton underwear, and stockings to avoid this problem.

This medicine may leak out of your vagina during the day. You may wear a sanitary pad to protect your clothing, but do not use a tampon. Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms improve after the first few doses. Do not stop using the medicine if your menstrual period begins during your treatment time. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For vaginal yeast infections:
    • For vaginal dosage form (cream):
      • Adults—One full applicator (5 grams) applied in the vagina once a day at bedtime for 3 or 7 consecutive days, as directed by your doctor.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For vaginal dosage form (suppository):
      • Adults—One suppository inserted in the vagina once a day at bedtime for 3 consecutive days. Each suppository contains 80 milligrams (mg) of terconazole.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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