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Compare Clotrimazole vs. Ketoconazole

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) and ketoconazole (Nizoral) are both antifungal creams used to treat skin infections like athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch. However, there are some key differences between the two. Clotrimazole is available over the counter, making it easier to access, while ketoconazole requires a prescription. Clotrimazole needs to be applied twice daily, whereas ketoconazole is used just once a day. Additionally, ketoconazole can treat more types of infections, such as tinea versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis, which clotrimazole does not. Clotrimazole is safe for children 2 years and older, but ketoconazole is only approved for adults. Both medications have few side effects, but ketoconazole can cause allergic reactions in people with asthma or sulfite allergies.

  • Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
    Ketoconazole cream
  • Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
    Ketoconazole cream

  • Summary of Clotrimazole vs. Ketoconazole

    Summary for Antifungal

    Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) is an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream that's applied to the skin to treat certain infections, such as ringworm and athlete's foot. Sometimes, a provider might also recommend this medication for diaper rash. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) is for adults and children 2 years and older, unless otherwise directed by a provider. Most people experience few to no side effects while using clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), though mild skin irritations have been reported.

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Ketoconazole cream can help treat several different types of fungal skin infections. It's applied onto the skin and has very few side effects. This medication is only FDA approved for use in adults, since it isn't known if it's safe or works well in children.

  • Indications of Clotrimazole vs. Ketoconazole

    Indications for

    Treatment and symptom relief (e.g., itching, irritation, redness) of the following fungal skin infections:

    •Athlete’s foot
    •Jock itch
    •Ringworm
    Indications for
    •Ringworm
    •Jock itch
    •Athlete's foot
    •Tinea versicolor (a fungal infection that causes discolored patches on the skin)
    •Seborrheic dermatitis
    •Skin yeast infection caused by Candida

  • Pros and Cons of Clotrimazole vs. Ketoconazole

    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Available as a generic, over-the-counter medication
    •Side effects are typically minor or mild
    •Can treat multiple fungal infections, including athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch
    Cons
    •Need to apply twice daily
    •Can take up to a month to treat athlete's foot
    •Need to speak with provider before using it on children under 2 years old
    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Works well to treat many fungal skin infections
    •Skin usually starts improving shortly after starting treatment
    •Has few side effects
    •Applied directly to the affected area(s)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Must use for 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the type of infection
    •Not available over the counter
    •Not approved for use in children
    •Unknown if safe for pregnant or breastfeeding females
    •Some products are made with sulfites, which can cause allergies in some people.

  • Common Side Effects of Clotrimazole vs. Ketoconazole

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritations (e.g., itching, redness)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Itching (5%)
    •Skin irritation (5%)
    •Stinging (5%)

  • Warnings of Clotrimazole vs. Ketoconazole

    Common Side Effects for
    •Use only on your skin
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Clotrimazole vs. Ketoconazole

    Learn more about Clotrimazole
    Learn more about Ketoconazole cream

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