{"id":9591,"date":"2020-03-11T15:24:10","date_gmt":"2020-03-11T19:24:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=9591"},"modified":"2026-04-06T10:58:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T14:58:59","slug":"vagisil-vs-monistat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/vagisil-vs-monistat\/","title":{"rendered":"Vagisil vs. Monistat: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drug overview & main differences<\/a> | Conditions treated<\/a> | Efficacy<\/a> | Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/a> | Side effects<\/a> | Drug interactions<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | FAQ<\/a> | Prevention<\/a> | Alternatives<\/a><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re suffering from a vaginal yeast infection, you\u2019re not alone\u2014 about 75% of women will experience a yeast infection at least once. <\/span>Yeast infections<\/span><\/a> are most commonly caused by a fungus called <\/span>Candida albicans <\/span><\/i>and cause pesky symptoms such as itching, burning, and discharge. Vagisil and Monistat are two popular over-the-counter (OTC) medications commonly chosen by women for yeast infection treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Vagisil contains benzocaine and resorcinol, which work as external analgesics, relieving symptoms of burning and itching. Monistat contains miconazole, which is an antifungal that stops the growth of the fungus that is causing yeast infection. While both medications are used for vaginal symptoms, such as itching and discomfort, they are very different medications in terms of ingredients and how they work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Vagisil and Monistat?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Vagisil<\/span><\/a> is an OTC local anesthetic cream containing benzocaine 5% and resorcinol 2%. There is also a Vagisil maximum strength formulation which contains benzocaine 20% and resorcinol 3%, as well as a Vagisil sensitive anti-itch cream which contains hydrocortisone 1%, a steroid that helps with external itching. Although Vagisil is often thought of as a yeast infection treatment, it does not actually cure yeast infections.<\/span><\/p>\n

Monistat<\/span><\/a> is an OTC antifungal cream that contains the active ingredient <\/span>miconazole nitrate<\/span><\/a>. Monistat is available in a variety of formulations: a one-day (Monistat 1), three-day (Monistat 3), or seven-day (Monistat 7) treatment. You can buy Monistat as an internal vaginal cream or suppository. Some types of Monistat are available as a combination pack, with a tube of miconazole 2% cream that you can use externally to relieve symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Vagisil details<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Differences between Vagisil and Monistat<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nVagisil<\/b><\/td>\nMonistat<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/span><\/td>\nLocal anesthetic<\/span><\/td>\nAntifungal<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic availability<\/span><\/td>\nBrand<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/span><\/td>\nBenzocaine and resorcinol\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nMiconazole\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/span><\/td>\nExternal cream<\/span><\/td>\nInternal cream<\/span><\/p>\n

Vaginal suppository (ovule)<\/span><\/p>\n

External cream<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/span><\/td>\nAdults & children 12 years and older: Apply a fingertip amount (1-inch strip) to affected area 3 to 4 times daily<\/span><\/td>\nAdults & children 12 years and older: Insert 1 applicator (or suppository) vaginally at bedtime daily as directed on package<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/span><\/td>\nAs needed up to 7 days (consult a doctor if symptoms have not improved after 7 days)<\/span><\/td>\n1, 3, or 7 days depending on which formulation you select<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/span><\/td>\nAdults & children 12 years and older<\/span><\/td>\nAdults & children 12 years and older<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Vagisil vs. Monistat<\/span><\/h2>\n

Vagisil contains benzocaine and resorcinol, which are local anesthetics used externally to relieve itching and irritation. Vagisil does not contain an antifungal, so while it may relieve symptoms externally, it will not treat the source of the yeast infection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Monistat contains the antifungal miconazole and is used vaginally, both internally and externally, to <\/span>treat yeast infections<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Vagisil or Monistat more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

It is difficult to compare the two drugs because they work differently. Vagisil can help with external itching, but will not cure a yeast infection. Therefore, if the itching is due to a yeast infection, Vagisil may help relieve symptoms temporarily, but will not cure the yeast infection that is causing the symptoms. If you are experiencing itching due to local irritation not associated with a yeast infection, Vagisil may be helpful, while Monistat would not be an effective treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Monistat has been <\/span>shown to be effective<\/span><\/a> as an antifungal and will help cure a yeast infection. Using the external cream in the combination pack (in addition to using the internal cream at bedtime) can help relieve symptoms while you wait for the infection to be cured.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can always check with your doctor to see if Vagisil or Monistat is an appropriate choice for you because he or she should be familiar with your medical condition(s) and history.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Want the best price on Vagisil?<\/h3>\n

Sign up for Vagisil price alerts and find out when the price changes!<\/p>\n

Get price alerts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Vagisil vs. Monistat<\/span><\/h2>\n

Because Vagisil and Monistat are available OTC, they are typically not covered by insurance. Occasionally, an insurance plan may cover the generic form of Monistat. You can use a SingleCare card to save on Vagisil or Monistat, but you\u2019ll need your doctor to write a prescription in order to process the SingleCare savings.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Cost comparison<\/b><\/td>\nVagisil<\/b><\/td>\nMonistat<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Average cash price<\/span><\/td>\n$10<\/span><\/td>\n$25 for Monistat 3<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare savings<\/span><\/td>\nFree Vagisil coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nFree Monistat 3 coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Drug<\/span><\/i> prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices as of Nov. 24, 2025.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Common side effects of Vagisil vs. Monistat<\/span><\/h2>\n

The most common side effects of Vagisil include local skin irritation or inflammation and skin peeling. Other, less common side effects that may occur include itching or redness, hives, stinging, and an allergic reaction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The most common side effects of Monistat include headache, local burning sensation or irritation, and lower stomach cramping. An allergic reaction is very rare, but you should seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur. Symptoms can include swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, dizziness, and\/or rash.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other side effects may occur. Consult your gynecologist for a full list of side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Drug interactions of Vagisil vs. Monistat<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both drugs have very few drug interactions since they are used topically. Vagisil should not be used with retinoids, such as adapalene or tretinoin, because the combination could be too irritating to the skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Monistat should not be used in combination with <\/span>Coumadin<\/span><\/a> (warfarin), an anticoagulant that is also known as a blood thinner. The combination could lead to increased levels of warfarin in the body, which could lead to bleeding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Consult your healthcare provider for more information on drug interactions of Vagisil or Monistat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Warnings of Vagisil and Monistat<\/span><\/h2>\n

Vagisil warnings:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n