Butoconazole vaginal cream

What is butoconazole vaginal cream?
BUTOCONAZOLE (Gynazole-1reg;, Femstatreg;, and Mycelex-3reg;) is an antifungal type of antibiotic. As a vaginal cream, butoconazole is used to treat vaginal yeast infections. These products also relieve the itching and burning symptoms that are sometimes present with these infections. Products are available as a 1-day or 3-day treatment course. The 3-day treatments are available without a prescription. However, if this is the first time you have experienced a yeast infection, you should see a health care professional because other vaginal infections can produce similar symptoms to yeast infections and may require different treatment. Generic butoconazole cream is not available.

What should my health care professional know before I use butoconazole?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• any chronic health condition
• diabetes mellitus
• lowered immune system due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• human immunodeficiency (HIV) virus
• an unusual or allergic reaction to butoconazole, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?
Butoconazole vaginal cream is used in the vagina and may be used on the external areas of skin around the vagina to decrease itching and discomfort. Do not take by mouth. Wash hands before and after use. Read package directions carefully before using. If using the vaginal cream, screw the applicator onto the end of the tube and squeeze the tube to fill the applicator, OR if using individually packaged or filled applicators, remove the outer covering. Lie on your back. Gently insert the applicator tip high in the vagina and push the plunger to release the cream into the vagina; gently remove the applicator. Wash the applicator well with warm water and soap. Use at regular intervals as directed by the package or your health care professional. Finish the full course of treatment even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using this medicine if your menstrual period starts during the time of treatment.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Vaginal products should not be used without the prescription of a health care professional in girls under 12 years old. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with butoconazole?

• Spermicides and other medicines or douches used in the vagina

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are using, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from using butoconazole?
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• vaginal irritation, itching or burning
• pain or difficulty passing urine

What should I watch for while taking butoconazole?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days. Do not self-medicate for more than one week. If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, contact your prescriber prior to using non-prescription products; infections during pregnancy require examination by your health care professional.

If you develop abdominal pain, a fever > 100 degrees F, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, contact your prescriber or health care professional. Do not self-treat if you have these symptoms. These symptoms are signs of a more serious infection and you will need examined by a qualified health care professional.

It is better not to have sex until you have finished your treatment. Do not rely on condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps or other “barrier” devices to prevent pregnancy. Butoconazole may damage these devices. Butoconazole can also interfere with the proper action of spermicides. This can lead to failure of these methods to prevent pregnancy.

If your partner(s) has itching or redness of the genitals, they should see a health care professional about these symptoms. They may also need evaluation and treatment.

Your clothing may get soiled if you have a vaginal discharge. You can wear a sanitary napkin; do not use tampons. Tampons can absorb butoconazole and decrease the efficacy of the medication. If possible, wear freshly washed cotton, not synthetic, panties.

Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.