Monistat vs Diflucan (Fluconazole): Comparison of Effectiveness

Both Monistat, a topical medication available over the counter, and Diflucan, a prescription medication taken orally, have been shown to be equally effective.

Share This Post

Overview | Conditions Treated | Effectiveness | Side Effects | Drug Interactions

An estimated 75 percent of women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point during their lifetime, and many women will experience multiple yeast infections.

Although common, vaginal yeast infections are incredibly uncomfortable and painful, and women want relief quickly.

When comparing Monistat vs. Diflucan, two of the most popular yeast infection treatments on the market, here’s what you need to know about the effectiveness of each.

Overview

Monistat and Diflucan are two of the most popular options for the treatment of yeast infections.

While they both can help alleviate your symptoms, there are some significant differences between the two medications.

Monistat

Monistat is an over-the-counter antifungal that is used for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections.

The medication is available in three different formulas, including Monistat 1, Monistat 3, and Monistat 7.

Monistat 1 is the strongest formula and delivers the highest dose in a single treatment.

The combination pack includes a miconazole nitrate vaginal insert that can be administered once. It also contains an external vaginal cream that can be applied once or twice per day for up to seven days or as long as symptoms last.

Monistat 3 is considered a regular strength formula and is applied as one dose every day over the course of three days.

The combination pack includes miconazole prefilled applicators that are administered as a single every day for three days. It also includes an external cream that can be applied for symptoms for up to seven days.

Monistat 7 is a low-dose treatment that is applied in seven treatments over the course of seven days.

The medication is administered as a low-dose miconazole nitrate cream. A combination pack is also available that includes an external cream for itch relief.

Monistat’s website states that each of its formulas works equally effectively to treat vaginal yeast infections and works in approximately the same amount of time.

Patients should expect to feel some relief within three days and complete relief within seven days.

Diflucan

Diflucan is a prescription medication that is sometimes referred to by the name of its active ingredient, fluconazole.

First approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993, Diflucan belongs to a class of antifungal medications called triazoles.

Diflucan is considered a first-generation triazole. Diflucan is typically given orally once per day and can be taken with or without food.

The medication can be purchased in the form of a tablet or a liquid.

YouTube player

Conditions Treated

Monistat

Monistat is used for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections.

Vaginal yeast infections are a specific type of fungal infection that is usually caused by the overgrowth of the fungus candida albicans, which is found naturally in the vagina.

Under normal circumstances, the vagina naturally contains a balance of yeast, including candida albicans, and a certain type of bacteria, lactobacillus, that prevents the overgrowth of yeast.

However, it is relatively common for this balance to become disrupted, which allows the candida to grow unchecked.

Common causes of vaginal yeast infections include:

  • The use of antibiotics
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • A compromised immune system
  • Pregnancy
  • The use of medications that increase estrogen levels, such as hormonal contraceptives

Diflucan

Diflucan is best known for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections, which affect approximately 75 percent of women over the course of their lifetime.

However, the medication can also be used to treat a number of other fungal infections, including yeast infections of the mouth, esophagus, throat, abdomen, blood, lungs, and other organs. 

People who are particularly likely to develop yeast infections, including those who are immunocompromised, those undergoing cancer treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy, and individuals who are preparing for a bone marrow transplant, can also use Diflucan to help prevent the development of a yeast infection.

In some cases, Diflucan may be prescribed for the treatment of fungal meningitis, a fungal infection of the membranes covering the brain and spine.

Effectiveness

Monistat

As a topical medication, Monistat begins working immediately to start treating the symptoms of a fungal infection caused by candida albicans.

As a result, Monistat can start relieving the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection more quickly than oral Diflucan, which must be digested and absorbed into the bloodstream.

Monistat 1, which includes a vaginal insert as well as a symptom relief cream, begins to provide initial relief from individual symptoms within one hour and starts to provide relief for all symptoms within about four hours.

Diflucan

Studies show that a single dose of Diflucan is as effective as Monistat.

As a result, patients taking Diflucan can expect their symptoms to resolve with one dose of the prescription drug. However, Diflucan must be absorbed into the bloodstream after digestion, so it may take longer to start working.

Clinical studies show that Diflucan typically takes about four hours to provide initial relief of at least one symptom and about 16 hours to begin providing relief for all symptoms.

Although Diflucan works more slowly to provide relief, it still begins working relatively quickly. Patients who prefer to avoid the mess that can sometimes be associated with topical and intravaginal products can still find relief from yeast infection symptoms in less than a day when using Diflucan.

Side Effects

Monistat

As an over-the-counter medication, Monistat is associated with relatively few side effects.

Some patients report experiencing a mild increase in vaginal irritation, itching, or burning after inserting a Monistat antifungal vaginal insert, while others report abdominal cramping.

Rarely, some patients may experience serious side effects, such as abdominal pain, headache, or severe vaginal burning, itching, swelling, or irritation. The product may also cause hives or a skin rash in some patients.

Diflucan

Diflucan is convenient to use and is not associated with the mess and inconvenience sometimes associated with Monistat, but, the medication is available by prescription only due to the possibility of systemic side effects

As a result, some people are deterred from taking the medication, while others may not be able to take the drug safely. Common side effects associated with fluconazole include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Change in ability to taste food

If you experience any of the above symptoms in a manner that is severe or lasts for an extended period of time, contact your doctor.

Rarely, Diflucan has been known to cause side effects that are potentially serious. Patients experiencing any of the following side effects should contact their immediately and seek emergency medical attention:

  • Extreme tiredness
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Pale stools
  • Lack of energy
  • Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rash
  • Hives
  • Blistering or peeling skin
  • Itching
  • Swelling of the face, tongue, eyes, feet, lower legs, throat, lips, hands, or ankles
  • Yellowing of the eyes or skin
  • Dark urine
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Drug Interactions

Monistat

Monistat is associated with very few drug interactions. However, it is important to give your doctor a list of medications that you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and herbal supplements, as they may contribute to developing yeast infections more frequently. 

Certain medications may interact with Monistat:

  • Anisindione
  • Dicumarol
  • Warfarin

Diflucan

Because Diflucan is taken orally and absorbed into the bloodstream, it is associated with a longer list of side effects than Monistat, and the medication may be unsafe for use in certain individuals. 

People who are allergic to Diflucan, fluconazole, or any other antifungal medication, including the following, should alert their doctor or pharmacist prior to taking fluconazole:

  • Itraconazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Posaconazole
  • Voriconazole

Individuals taking any of the following medications will likely not be able to use fluconazole safely:

  • Quinidine
  • Terfenadine
  • Erythromycin
  • Pimozide
  • Astemizole
  • Cisapride

The following medications are known to react with fluconazole and can increase your risk of experiencing side effects or make the medication less effective:

  • Amitriptyline
  • Amphotericin B
  • Blood thinners
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Carbamazepine
  • Celecoxib
  • Statin medications
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Cyclosporine
  • Diuretics
  • Fentanyl
  • Isoniazid
  • Losartan
  • Methadone
  • Midazolam
  • Nevirapine
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Oral medication for diabetes
  • Phenytoin
  • Prednisone
  • Rifabutin
  • Rifampin
  • Saquinavir
  • Sirolimus
  • Tacrolimus
  • Theophylline
  • Tofacitinib
  • Triazolam
  • Valproic acid
  • Vinblastine
  • Vincristine
  • Vitamin W
  • Voriconazole
  • Zidovudine

This may not be a complete list of drug interactions. Consult a healthcare provider for other possible interactions. 

Summary

If you are suffering from a vaginal yeast infection, the good news is that you have two equally effective options.

Both Monistat, a topical medication available over the counter, and Diflucan, a prescription medication taken orally, have been shown to be equally effective. 

Monistat is associated with fewer side effects and fewer drug interactions than Diflucan, and it may start working more quickly than Diflucan to relieve your symptoms. However, Diflucan is more convenient and less messy than Monistat.

References, Studies and Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yeast-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20378999

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26798851/

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a690002.html

https://www.monistat.com/yeast-infection-treatment

https://www.monistat.com/vaginal-health-blog-articles/speed-to-symptom-relief

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2270767/ 

We are committed to providing our readers with only trusted resources and science-based studies with regards to medication and health information. 

Disclaimer: This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. If you suspect medical problems or need medical help or advice, please talk with your healthcare professional.

Share This Post

Pharmacists.org Discount Club

Get Started for $1.

  • Cheapest cash pay option at your retail pharmacy
  • 1,000s of drugs below $10.00 that can beat your co-pay
  • Start for $1 for your first month. Cancel anytime. 
  • Tell us your meds, we tell you the cheapest options.

Popular Destinations

Recent Articles

pharmacists giving out trusted information

Nexplanon Implant: Is the Most Effective Birth Control on the Market Right for You?

Nexplanon is the newest form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) that provides pregnancy prevention for up to three years. Nexplanon replaced the contraceptive implant Implanon in 2010. Unlike Implanon, Nexplanon is radiopaque, which means it is visible through x-ray. Nexplanon is over 99% effective and is the most effective reversible contraceptive available at this time. The best part is that once it's inserted, you won’t have to think about pregnancy prevention again.

Read More »

Nutrafol Review: Are These Hair Supplements Effective?

Nutrafol is a telehealth company that offers a range of hair supplements for both men and women. Are these supplements effective, though?


We review and include products we think are useful for our community. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission. For more info, please read our ad policy, content principles and vetting policy.

Read More »

Share On:

More To Explore

Nexplanon Implant: Is the Most Effective Birth Control on the Market Right for You?

Nexplanon is the newest form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) that provides pregnancy prevention for up to three years. Nexplanon replaced the contraceptive implant

Nutrafol Review: Are These Hair Supplements Effective?

Nutrafol is a telehealth company that offers a range of hair supplements for both men and women. Are these supplements effective, though?

We review and

Prenatal Vitamins for Hair Growth: Do They Work?

Many women who aren’t expecting take prenatal vitamins for longer hair and stronger nails. This guide from Pharmacists.org explains if this strategy works.

Addyi, the “Little Pink Pill,” Offers Hope to Women Suffering from Low Sexual Desire

So what if there was a solution? An easy, once-daily pill. Let’s get to know Addyi and the facts behind the “little pink pill.”

How to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection in 24 Hours

The last thing you want to hear when you have a yeast infection is that it might take a while to cure it– everyone

Hers Hair Review: Are Their Hair Loss Products Effective?

Hers is one telemedicine company looking to provide women with a solution for hair loss. The products found in their Hers Complete Hair Kit

Pap Smears: Everything You Need to Know

If you are a woman, there's a good chance that you will need to get a pap smear at some point in your life.

What is Fluconazole: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, and Interactions

Fluconazole is an antifungal medication commonly used for the treatment of fungal infections like yeast infections, fungal meningitis, athlete’s foot, and more.

What Is Nystatin Cream Used For?

If you find yourself wondering what is nystatin cream used for, you may be surprised by the applications it has to a very common

More Than PMS: Could it Be PMDD?

PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is a more severe form of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome). The symptoms can cause extreme mood shifts that negatively impact relationships,

A ScalpMed Review: Is ScalpMed Legit and How To Use

ScalpMed is no more a mystery. Read full article and find in depth overview of hair regrowth product. Article includes real-life examples.

We review and

How Much Hair Loss is Normal?

The average person loses 50 to 100 strands of loose hair per day. Losing more hair without regrowing new hair can be a sign

Perimenopause 101: How to Create Hormonal Harmony

Perimenopause is a transitional time before the onset of menopause. Most women experience symptoms related to perimenopause in their 40’s and 50’s, but sometimes

What are the side effects of Midol?

Midol is a common and popular brand of painkiller that many women use to treat their headaches. Unfortunately, there are some side effects associated

What is Estradiol: Uses, Costs, and Dosage

Estradiol, sometimes referred to as oestradiol (E2), is the strongest of the three estrogens that are naturally produced in the body.

Midol and You: What is Midol, What is in it, and How does it work?

Midol is a brand of medication used to treat pain and menstrual cramps. There are several different types of Midol, each with their own

For Thinning Hair: Minoxidil Foam

Here is your guide on minoxidil foam, its use, and whether the product is right for you. 

What is Vestibular Papillomatosis and How Do I Treat It?

Vestibular papillomatosis is a condition that occurs in women on their vulva, which are the external parts of female genitalia. These tiny bumps can

Does Minoxidil work?

With so many promises of stronger, longer, thicker hair it may be difficult to know whether minoxidil, a topical hair growth treatment, really works.

Surprising Reasons Why Women Lose Their Hair (And How You Can Prevent It)

The average adult head has about 100,000 to 150,000 hairs and loses up to 100 strands a day. As people age, the rate of

Shapiro MD Review: Does Their Hair Loss Treatment Work?

Shapiro MD uses natural DHT blockers in its shampoos, conditioners, and topical treatments, which may help stop hair loss and promote hair regrowth in

Minoxidil Before and After Results

Minoxidil is a topical medication that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness. It’s effective

What is Miconazole: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, and Interactions

Patients using miconazole for the treatment of a fungal infection of the skin may experience side effects like burning, swelling, redness, tenderness, stinging, irritation,

What are the Side Effects of Estradiol?

Premenopausal women and women of all ages may also benefit from estradiol to help with ovarian failure, adrenal gland dysfunction, sexual function, and other

How Much Does Birth Control Cost?

If you’ve never had to pay for birth control, you may not have any idea just how costly avoiding pregnancy can be. According to

Everything You Need to Know About Endometriosis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment Options, and More

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects millions of women all over the world. It is a condition where the endometrium, or lining of

Non-Hormonal Birth Control Options: A Detailed Comparison Guide

There are 13 different non-hormonal birth control options, each of which works slightly differently to prevent pregnancy without the use of hormones. 

Needed Prenatal Reviews: Is Their Pregnancy Nutrition Legit?

Needed is a supplement brand aimed at providing nutrients for pregnant mothers. But do you really need Needed? Read on to find out.

We review

Ritual Vitamins Review: What To Know Before Buying

Ritual is a vitamin and supplement company that uses clean, natural, science-backed ingredients in all of their products. Continue reading for an in-depth look

Hello Wisp Reviews: Birth Control, UTIs, STD Tests & More

Wisp is a company that offers direct to consumer healthcare focusing on reproductive and sexual health. Find out how it rates and if you