Daktarin oral gel

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How does it work?

Daktarin oral gel contains the active ingredient miconazole. Miconazole is an antifungal medicine used to treat infections with fungi and yeasts.

Miconazole kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol disrupts the fungal cell membrane, causing holes to appear in it.

The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As miconazole causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and treats the infection.

Miconazole also has some antibacterial action and kills certain bacteria that may also be present in the infection.

Daktarin oral gel is used to treat fungal infections of the mouth and throat, such as oral thrush. For treating localised areas of infection in the mouth, a small amount of gel may be applied directly to the affected area with a clean finger. Daktarin oral gel is also used to treat fungal infections of the intestines.

The gel should be held in the mouth for as long as possible before swallowing.

What is it used for?

- Prevention and treatment of fungal infections of the mouth, throat, stomach and intestines.
- Daktarin oral gel can also be bought from pharmacies without a prescription, but only for treating and preventing fungal infections of the mouth and throat such as oral thrush.

Warning!

- Daktarin oral gel should be taken after eating and held in the mouth for as long as possible before swallowing.
- Daktarin oral gel is sticky. You should be careful to ensure that the gel doesn't obstruct the throat, as this may cause choking, particularly in children. The gel should not be put at the back of the throat, and the prescribed dose may be divided into smaller portions.
- If you have false teeth (dentures) and are treating oral thrush you should brush the gel onto your dentures after you take them out at night to kill any fungus that may be on the dentures.
- Treatment with this medicine should be continued for two days after the symptoms have cleared up to ensure the infection is fully treated and prevent it from coming back.

Not to be used in

- Decreased liver function
- Hereditary blood disorders called porphyrias.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution in nursing mothers, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the nursing infant. Discuss this with your doctor.

Label warnings

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- Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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