General Drug Information and Indications

Azole antifungal for topical treatment of dermatophytosis, Malassezia, and candidiasis; ophthalmic preparations for fungal keratitis. Imidazole antifungal (miconazole nitrate). Mechanism: inhibits fungal CYP51 (lanosterol 14α-demethylase) → blocks ergosterol biosynthesis → membrane permeability disruption and loss of membrane integrity. Fungistatic at low concentrations; fungicidal at high. Active against dermatophytes, Candida, Malassezia. Poor systemic bioavailability; topical and ophthalmic use. Key information Topical antifungal. For external/otic use. Avoid on perforated eardrum. Ear product: shake well, warm to room temperature. Store at room temperature.

How to Give this Medication

Topical cream or spray: Apply topically to affected area; wear gloves during application. Apply 1–2 times daily to affected area. Clean ear canal before instillation. Gently massage base of ear after application to distribute medication. Intrauterine (mares): dilute in sterile saline; infuse via sterile catheter. Shake well before each use. (spray). Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next application, skip it and resume the normal schedule. Do not apply extra product to compensate.

Side Effects

Topical/otic: local irritation, erythema, pruritus. Otic: adrenal suppression (in combination products with corticosteroids over prolonged use). Systemic absorption minimal with topical use. GI: nausea (oral formulations — not commonly used).

Precautions

For animals Topical/otic: assess tympanic membrane integrity before otic use. Avoid on deep, penetrating wounds. Allow adequate contact time. For people handling this medication Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Avoid inhaling sprays or aerosols. Keep out of reach of children. Antifungal — generally safe at topical concentrations. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Wear gloves when applying to animals.

Overdose

If excessive product was applied, wash the area thoroughly with mild soap and water. Contact your veterinarian if the animal shows any signs of irritation, lethargy, tremors, or other unusual behavior. Miconazole is minimally absorbed topically. Contact your veterinarian if the animal ingests the product.

Miconazole dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
MICONAZOLE 2% CREAM—Cream1Commercial
MICONAZOLE NITRATE 1%——1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)