What is the difference between clotrimazole and monistat

Jennifer Nied. Jennifer Nied has written about health, fitness and wellness for over 10 years. Learn about our editorial process. Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD. Learn about our Medical Review Board. Fact checked by Marley Hall. Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. Tough on yeast but gentle on sensitive skin, so the burning or discomfort often experienced with strong treatments is avoided. Best Suppository:. Best Preventative:. These easy to swallow capsules go one step further to help prevent future infections.

Best Cream:. This cream comes out on top for its fast-acting yeast infection relief and instant soothing power. Best Budget:. The active ingredient is clotrimazole, which research shows is effective at fighting infections caused by yeast and bacteria. Best for Men:. Cons Only one dose May cause uncomfortable itching. View On Amazon. Pros Helps balance vaginal pH No-mess application Natural, organic, and sustainable formula.

Cons Needs to be taken continuously for seven days Slow acting. Expert Insight "For over-the-counter, they are all vaginal. Pros Relieves burning, itching, and irritation Frequent sufferers may benefit from a daily pill. Cons Relieves symptoms but does not cure infection. Pros Quick relief Maximum strength available.

Cons Not easily absorbed into the skin. Expert Insight "OTC creams were formerly available by prescription, and then, as is common, after the medication went generic, it went into the over-the-counter status.

The 10 Best Period Panties of Pros Kills fungus on site Comes with three disposable applicators Works to cure yeast infections. Cons Can be messy. Potential side effects could include irritation and local burning," — Sophia Yen , M. Pros Kills fungus on site Easy to use Relieves burning, itching, and irritation. Cons Price. Frequently Asked Questions Does yeast infection medication delay your period? Can you drink alcohol while taking yeast infection medication? Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns? Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Related Articles. Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms and Complications. How to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection. What Is Vulvovaginitis? Is Thrush Contagious? Home Remedies for Yeast Infections.

What Are the Symptoms of Candida Infection? I had zero side effects, only relief," one review says. While you have to pack the applicators with the medicated cream yourself with this one, a reviewer noted that it was "not that difficult. Customers rave about this tiny tube's ability to tackle yeast infections on skin. This cream works quite well to clear them up and keep them from recurring," says a reviewer. Some even used it for vaginal yeast infections and said it worked.

Customers found it effective against other fungal skin infections like athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm, making it an inexpensive multitasker to consider keeping in the first aid kit. If your yeast infection is resistant to traditional antifungal creams or seriously recurring, boric acid suppositories are something to consider.

Boric acid has antifungal properties, and this popular bottle has more than 2, reviews with a 4. However, Dr. Sullivan notes, "Boric acid and gentian violet are older regimens that are rarely used. Pregnant women should not use it, either.

And though rare, the possible side effects of boric acid suppositories include "vaginal burning and itching," according to Our Bodies Ourselves. In other words, it's a good idea to ask a doctor first before trying these. Miconazole is a medication used to treat fungal infections. Miconazole is most often used as a cream on the skin to treat skin infections, or as a vaginal cream that is placed in the vagina to treat vaginal yeast infections.

Your healthcare provider can help you decide which length of treatment is right for you. Clotrimazole is also a medication used to treat fungal infections. Like miconazole, clotrimazole is available as a topical cream used on the skin or as a vaginal cream used in the vagina. What should I do if I think I have a vaginal yeast infection while pregnant? People are more likely to get yeast infections during pregnancy than at other times.

If you think you have a vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy, it is important to see your healthcare provider to be sure the infection is yeast before trying to treat it on your own. If you have another kind of vaginal infection, you may need different treatment. Can miconazole or clotrimazole make it harder for me to become pregnant? I just found out I am pregnant. Should I stop taking miconazole or clotrimazole? Talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take your medication s.

Does using miconazole or clotrimazole increase the chance for miscarriage?