Imidazoles for vaginitis.

Vaginal candidiasis is a common infection in women for which several effective therapeutic agents are currently available. Clotrimazole and miconazole were introduced in 1975, and both recently became available over the counter. These imidazole agents have largely replaced nystatin as primary therapy because of greater antifungal activity and shorter treatment regimens, thereby enhancing patient compliance. The cost for these OTC regimens ranges from $12.00 to $24.00 for the patient.