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Compare Sporanox vs. Ambisome

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

Key takeaways

Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura) and Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome) are both antifungal medications, but they have some key differences. Both are availible in brand and generic forms. Itraconazole is taken orally while Ambisome is given through an IV. Itraconazole is used to treat severe fungal infections and fungal nail infections, whereas Ambisome is used for severe fungal infections in people with low white blood cell counts, cryptococcal meningitis in people with HIV, black fever, and when other antifungals do not work. Itraconazole must be taken with food, can interact with many medications, and can increase the risk of serious heart-related side effects. On the other hand, Ambisome is typically administered in a hospital or by a healthcare professional at home and can cause kidney and liver damage, as well as low magnesium and potassium levels. Both medications can cause serious side effects, but Ambisome is known for causing more immediate infusion-related reactions like chills and nausea.

  • Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule
    Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome)
  • Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule
    Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome)

  • Summary of Sporanox vs. Ambisome

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule is used to treat various fungal infections. You might have to take it for several weeks or months. It interacts with many medications, which can lead to serious heart-related side effects.

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome) is effective at treating many severe and deadly fungal infections, but it has many side effects.

  • Indications of Sporanox vs. Ambisome

    Indications for

    Severe fungal infections in people with weakened or healthy immune systems - itraconazole (Tolsura) and itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule:

    •Blastomycosis
    •Histoplasmosis
    •Aspergillosis in people in which amphotericin b (Ambisome) hasn't worked or isn't tolerated

    Fungal toenail and fingernail infections (onychomycosis) for people with healthy immune systems - itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule only

    Indications for
    •Fungal infections in people with a fever and a low number of white blood cells
    •Cryptococcal meningitis in people with HIV
    •People with severe fungal infections caused by Aspergillus, Candida, or Cryptococcus who have already tried other antifungals or cannot take other antifungals
    •Black fever (visceral leishmaniasis)

  • Pros and Cons of Sporanox vs. Ambisome

    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Works to treat some serious and life-threatening fungal infections
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can be taken once a day for most conditions
    Cons
    •Can raise your risk for serious heart problems, including heart failure
    •Must be taken for several weeks to months
    •Interacts with many medications
    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Treats life-threatening infections
    •Works when other antifungals fail
    •Not as hard on your kidneys as Abelcet (amphotericin B lipid complex)
    •Has been used safely in children as young as 1 year old
    Cons
    •Must be given through an IV line over 1 to 2 hours
    •Must be given in a hospital or by a trained home healthcare professional
    •Can be given for several weeks for more severe infections
    •Many side effects
    •Blood tests required

  • Common Side Effects of Sporanox vs. Ambisome

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Rash (3-9%)
    •Vomiting (5%)
    •Swelling in the arms and legs (4%)
    •Headache (1-4%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Chance of experiencing side effects from Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome) varies depending on the dose that's being given.

    •Chills (40-48%)
    •Low potassium (38-43%)
    •Nausea (26-40%)
    •Rash (24-25%)
    •Vomiting (22-32%)
    •Diarrhea (15-30%)
    •Trouble breathing (18-23%)
    •Changes to liver blood tests (7-22%)
    •Changes to kidney blood tests (20-22%)
    •Stomach pain (13-20%)
    •Fever, chills, hives, and itching while Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome) is being infused or shortly after (11-19%)
    •Swelling (13-14%)

  • Warnings of Sporanox vs. Ambisome

    Common Side Effects for
    •Congestive heart failure (CHF)
    •Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Liver damage
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Hearing loss
    •Vision problems
    •Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
    Common Side Effects for
    •ALLERGIC REACTIONS
    •KIDNEY DAMAGE
    •LOW MAGNESIUM AND POTASSIUM
    •LIVER DAMAGE

  • Prices with our coupons for Sporanox vs. Ambisome

    Learn more about Itraconazole
    Learn more about Ambisome

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