Vagil is a brand of vaginal clotrimazole used to treat vaginal yeast infections in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Clotrimazole is in a class of antifungal medications called imidazoles. It works by stopping the growth of fungi that cause infection. Vagil reduces vaginal burning, itching, and discharge that may occur with this condition. This medication is an azole antifungal. It works by stopping the growth of yeast (fungus) that causes the infection. Some products come with a skin cream to be applied to the area around the outside of the vagina.
Ask your doctor before using this medication for self-treatment if this is your first vaginal infection. This medication only works for vaginal fungal infections. You may have a different type of infection (such as bacterial vaginosis) and may need a different medication.
How should Vagil be used?
Vagil clotrimazole comes as a vaginal cream to be inserted into the vagina. It also may be applied to the skin around the outside of the vagina. The cream is inserted into the vagina once a day at bedtime for 3 or 7 days in a row, depending on the product instructions. The cream is used twice a day for up to 7 days around the outside of the vagina. Follow the directions on the package or your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Vagil exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed on the package or prescribed by your doctor.
Vagil clotrimazole is available without a prescription (over the counter). If this is the first time you have had vaginal itching and discomfort, talk to a doctor before using Vagil. If a doctor has told you before that you had a yeast infection and you have the same symptoms again, use the vaginal cream as directed on the package.
Do not have vaginal intercourse or use other vaginal products (such as tampons, douches, or spermicides) during your treatment.
You should begin to feel better during the first three days of treatment with Vagil. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor. To apply the Vagil clotrimazole cream to the outside area around the vagina, use your finger to apply a small amount of cream to the affected area of skin.
To insert the clotrimazole cream vaginally, read the instructions provided with the medication and follow these steps:
- Fill the special applicator that comes with the cream to the level indicated.
- Lie on your back with your knees drawn upward and spread apart or standing with your feet far apart and knees bent.
- Gently insert the applicator into the vagina, and push the plunger to release the medication.
- Withdraw the applicator.
- Discard the applicator if it is disposable. If the applicator is reusable, pull it apart and clean it with soap and warm water after each use.
- Wash your hands promptly to avoid spreading the infection.
The dose should be applied when you lie down to go to bed. It works best if you do not get up again after applying it except to wash your hands. You may wish to wear a sanitary napkin while using the vaginal cream to protect your clothing against stains. Continue using Vagil vaginal cream even if you get your period during treatment.
What are the side effects of Vagil?
Vagil clotrimazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
• increased burning, itching, or irritation of the vagina
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using clotrimazole and call your doctor immediately:
• rash
• hives
• stomach pain
• fever
• chills
• nausea
• vomiting
• foul-smelling vaginal discharge
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better within a few days.
It is better not to have sex until you have finished your treatment. This medicine may damage condoms or diaphragms and cause them not to work properly. It may also decrease the effect of vaginal spermicides. Do not rely on any of these methods to prevent sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy while you are using this medicine.
Vaginal medicines usually will come out of the vagina during treatment. To keep the medicine from getting on your clothing, wear a mini-pad or sanitary napkin. The use of tampons is not recommended since they may soak up the medicine. To help clear up the infection, wear freshly washed cotton, not synthetic underwear.
