What is terconazole?
Terconazole is an antifungal prescription medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis, which is an infection of the female vulva and vagina and is a type of mucocutaneous candidiasis.
Mucocutaneous candidiasis is a fungal infection that is caused by Candida yeasts and affects the skin and mucous membranes (such as in the mouth or vagina). Mucocutaneous candidiasis (also called mucosal candidiasis) is an opportunistic infection. An opportunistic infection is an infection that occurs more frequently or is more severe in people with weakened immune systems—such as those infected with HIV—than in people with healthy immune systems.
The Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents, prepared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), include recommendations on the HIV-related use of terconazole to treat uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis.
What should I tell my health care provider before taking terconazole?
Before taking terconazole, tell your health care provider:
- If you are allergic to terconazole or any other medicines.
- About any medical conditions you have or have had, for example, diabetes or liver problems.
About anything that could affect your ability to take medicines, such as difficulty swallowing or remembering to take pills.
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Terconazole should not be used in the first trimester of pregnancy unless your health care provider considers it essential for your health.
- If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV.
- About other prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Ask your health care provider if there are interactions between terconazole and the other medicines you take.
Ask your health care provider about possible side effects from terconazole. Your health care provider will tell you what to do if you have side effects.
How should I take terconazole?
Take terconazole according to your health care provider’s instructions. Your health care provider will tell you how much terconazole to take and when to take it. Before you start terconazole and each time you get a refill, read any printed information that comes with your medicine.
How should terconazole be stored?
- Store terconazole vaginal cream (0.4% and 0.8%) (brand names: ERAZOL® 7 and TERAZOL® 3) and vaginal suppositories (brand name: TERAZOL® 3) at room temperature, 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
- Store terconazole vaginal cream (0.8%) (generic formulation manufactured by E. Fougera & Co.) at room temperature, 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
- Safely throw away terconazole that is no longer needed or expired (out of date).
- Keep terconazole and all medicines out of reach of children.
Where can I find more information about terconazole?
More information about terconazole is available:
Last Reviewed: October 31, 2012
Last Updated: October 31, 2012