Daktarin (Miconazole) Oral Gel - 15g

What Is Miconazole Oral Gel and How Does It Treat Mouth Infections?

Oral thrush is more common than many people realise. It can affect anyone — from newborns to older adults — and it tends to appear at the most inconvenient times. Miconazole oral gel, sold under the well-known brand name Daktarin, is a clinically established antifungal treatment that targets the root cause of these infections directly inside the mouth. Each gram of gel contains 20mg of miconazole, giving you a targeted dose right where it's needed. You can browse our full range of athlete's foot and fungal infection treatments if you're dealing with fungal problems elsewhere on the body too.

Oral thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungi — most often Candida albicans — in the mouth and throat. It typically presents as creamy white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of the mouth, sometimes accompanied by soreness or a burning sensation. The NHS confirms that oral thrush is particularly common in babies, people who wear dentures, and those with weakened immune systems. Daktarin Oral Gel 15g is available over the counter, making it straightforward to access without needing a GP appointment in most cases.

How Does Daktarin Oral Gel Work Against Fungal Infections?

Miconazole belongs to the azole class of antifungal medicines. It works by interfering with the production of ergosterol, a key component of the fungal cell membrane. Without ergosterol, the membrane becomes unstable and leaky, ultimately killing the fungal cells. It also has some antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria, which can be a useful bonus when mixed infections are present.

• Miconazole inhibits the enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, blocking ergosterol synthesis
• The fungal cell membrane loses integrity and the cell contents leak out
• Candida cells are unable to replicate and die off
• The gel formulation keeps the active ingredient in contact with infected tissue for longer

Who Should Use Daktarin Oral Gel and Is It Right for You?

This gel is suitable for a wide range of people dealing with fungal infections of the mouth and throat. It can be used in adults, children, and infants over 4 months of age, though the application method differs slightly depending on age. It's particularly useful for people who wear dentures, as the gel can be applied directly to the denture surface as well as the mouth.

• Adults and older children with oral thrush (white patches, soreness, or burning in the mouth)
• Infants aged 4 months and over with oral thrush (under medical supervision)
• Denture wearers experiencing fungal infections beneath the denture plate
• People with angular cheilitis (cracked corners of the mouth) caused by Candida

How Does Daktarin Oral Gel Compare to Nystatin Oral Suspension?

How Should You Store Daktarin Oral Gel and Is It Suitable Long-Term?

Store Daktarin Oral Gel below 25°C and do not refrigerate. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use and store it out of the sight and reach of children. The gel should not be used after the expiry date printed on the tube and carton. If you're managing recurring oral thrush, it's worth speaking to your GP or pharmacist, as frequent episodes may indicate an underlying condition that needs investigation. You might also find it helpful to explore our oral health collection for complementary products to support mouth hygiene during treatment.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Daktarin Oral Gel and What Is It Used For?

Daktarin Oral Gel contains miconazole at a concentration of 20mg per gram of gel. It is used to treat fungal infections of the mouth and throat — most commonly oral thrush (oropharyngeal candidiasis) — as well as fungal infections affecting the gums and the area beneath dentures. The NHS describes oral thrush as a condition where the Candida fungus grows out of control inside the mouth, causing white patches, redness, and soreness. Miconazole oral gel works locally inside the mouth, with only a small amount absorbed into the bloodstream, making it generally well tolerated.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Daktarin Oral Gel?

Before using this gel, it's important to check whether it is appropriate for you. There are certain situations where you should not use it, and others where extra caution is needed.

Do not use Daktarin Oral Gel if you:

• Are allergic to miconazole or any other ingredient in the gel
• Have liver problems
• Are in the first trimester of pregnancy
• Are caring for an infant under 4 months of age
• Are taking medicines that interact with miconazole (see below)

Known drug interactions — tell your pharmacist if you are taking:

• Warfarin or other anticoagulants (miconazole can significantly increase bleeding risk)
• Oral hypoglycaemic medicines such as sulphonylureas (risk of low blood sugar)
• Phenytoin (risk of increased phenytoin levels)
• Ciclosporin (risk of increased ciclosporin toxicity)
• Statins such as simvastatin (risk of muscle problems)

The interaction with warfarin is particularly important. Even small amounts of miconazole absorbed from the gel can enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, potentially causing serious bleeding. Always inform your pharmacist if you are on any regular medicines before purchasing this product.

How Should You Use Daktarin Oral Gel?

Using the gel correctly makes a real difference to how quickly it works. The key is to keep it in contact with the infected tissue for as long as possible — so apply it after meals rather than before, and try not to eat or drink immediately afterwards.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the gel
2. Use a clean spoon or your finger to measure out the correct dose
3. Apply the gel directly to the affected areas inside the mouth
4. Hold the gel in your mouth for as long as you comfortably can before swallowing
5. Apply four times daily (after meals and at bedtime) for adults
6. Continue treatment for at least 7 days and for 2 days after symptoms have resolved
7. If treating denture-related thrush, also apply the gel to the denture surface

If you are treating a breastfed baby, it is important that the mother's nipples are also treated to prevent reinfection. You may find it helpful to explore our baby and toddler health range for additional support products during this time.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Daktarin Oral Gel?

Like all medicines, Daktarin Oral Gel can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own.

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Mild irritation or burning sensation in the mouth

Less common side effects:

• Diarrhoea
• Taste disturbances
• Skin rash or itching
• Allergic reactions (including swelling of the face, lips, or throat — seek urgent medical help if this occurs)

If you notice any side effects not listed here, or if existing side effects worsen, stop using the gel and speak to your pharmacist or GP. Serious allergic reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention.

How Should You Store Daktarin Oral Gel?

Correct storage helps maintain the gel's effectiveness throughout the course of treatment. For a wider range of treatments to support your health, take a look at our thrush treatments collection.

• Store below 25°C — do not refrigerate
• Keep the tube tightly closed after each use
• Store out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the tube and carton
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused medicine to your pharmacy