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Compare Diflucan vs. Sporanox

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

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.

  • Fluconazole (Diflucan)
    itraconazole (Sporanox) oral solution
  • Fluconazole (Diflucan)
    itraconazole (Sporanox) oral solution

  • Summary of Diflucan vs. Sporanox

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Fluconazole (Diflucan) is an azole antifungal. It's used to treat different types of Candida infections, such as vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush. It can also treat a serious brain infection called cryptococcal meningitis. Oral fluconazole (Diflucan) is available as a tablet and suspension. It's taken by mouth as a one-time dose for vaginal yeast infections; it's typically taken once daily for other types of infections. Fluconazole (Diflucan) is generally well-tolerated, but some people can experience side effects like headache, nausea, and stomach pain. Fluconazole (Diflucan) can raise the risk of liver problems, so you're recommend to avoiding drinking alcohol while taking this medication.

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Itraconazole oral solution, also known by its brand name Sporanox, is an azole antifungal used to treat adults with fungal infections in the mouth and throat (oral thrush) and esophagus. You typically swish and swallow the dose once or twice a day on an empty stomach. Itraconazole (Sporanox) oral solution isn't a first-choice treatment option because it can interact with many other medications. It also has rare but serious side effects like heart failure, liver problems, and hearing loss.

  • Indications of Diflucan vs. Sporanox

    Indications for
    •Treatment of infections caused by Candida:
    •Vaginal yeast infections
    •Mouth, throat, or esophagus infections, including oral thrush
    •Bloodstream infections
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Peritonitis (infection of the lining of the stomach)
    •Pneumonia
    •Prevention of Candida fungal infections for people having a bone marrow transplant
    •Cryptococcus meningitis
    Indications for
    •Fungal infections in the mouth and throat (oral thrush)
    •Fungal infections in the esophagus

  • Pros and Cons of Diflucan vs. Sporanox

    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Taken once daily for most infections
    •Considered acceptable to take while breastfeeding
    •Oral liquid comes flavored for better taste
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Not recommended during pregnancy due to the potential risk of harm to babies
    •Rare risk of liver problems
    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Taken once to twice per day
    •Directly treats the infected areas
    •Good option for people who can't swallow pills
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice treatment option
    •Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
    •Interacts with many medications

  • Common Side Effects of Diflucan vs. Sporanox

    Common Side Effects for

    Single dose for vaginal yeast infection:

    •Headache (13%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)

    Multiple doses for other infections:

    •Nausea (4%)
    •Headache (2%)
    •Skin rash (2%)
    •Vomiting (2%)
    •Stomach pain (2%)
    •Diarrhea (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Diarrhea (11%)
    •Vomiting (7%)
    •Fever (7%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)

  • Warnings of Diflucan vs. Sporanox

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Allergic reaction
    •Severe skin reaction
    •Harm to unborn babies
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart failure
    •Abnormal heart rhythm
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Liver damage
    •Hearing loss
    •Nerve damage

  • Prices with our coupons for Diflucan vs. Sporanox

    Learn more about Fluconazole
    Learn more about itraconazole

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