Key takeaways
Fluconazole (Diflucan) and itraconazole (Sporanox) are both antifungal medications, but they have some key differences. Fluconazole (Diflucan) is used to treat a variety of fungal infections, including vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and cryptococcal meningitis. It is available in both oral and injectable forms and is typically taken once daily. On the other hand, itraconazole (Sporanox) is mainly used to treat oral thrush and is usually prescribed after fluconazole has been tried. It is available as an oral solution and must be taken on an empty stomach. Fluconazole is generally well-tolerated but can cause liver problems, while itraconazole has a higher risk of causing serious heart issues, including congestive heart failure. Both medications interact with many other drugs, but itraconazole has more severe interactions and can also cause hearing loss and vision problems. Additionally, fluconazole is considered safer for breastfeeding, whereas itraconazole has not been well-studied in pregnancy and should be used with caution.
