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Compare Sporanox vs. Clotrimazole

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

Key takeaways

Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura) and clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) are both antifungal medications, but they have different uses and forms. Itraconazole is a prescription-only medication taken orally to treat serious fungal infections like blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis, as well as fungal nail infections. It needs to be taken with food and can interact with many other medications, potentially causing serious heart and liver problems. On the other hand, clotrimazole is an over-the-counter cream applied to the skin to treat common fungal infections like athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It is generally safe with few side effects, though it can cause mild skin irritation. While itraconazole is used for more severe infections and has significant risks, clotrimazole is used for less severe skin infections and is easier to obtain and use.

  • Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule
    Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
  • Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule
    Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)

  • Summary of Sporanox vs. Clotrimazole

    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

    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.

  • Indications of Sporanox vs. Clotrimazole

    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

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

    •Athlete’s foot
    •Jock itch
    •Ringworm

  • Pros and Cons of Sporanox vs. Clotrimazole

    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
    •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

  • Common Side Effects of Sporanox vs. Clotrimazole

    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
    •Skin irritations (e.g., itching, redness)

  • Warnings of Sporanox vs. Clotrimazole

    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
    •Use only on your skin

  • Prices with our coupons for Sporanox vs. Clotrimazole

    Learn more about Itraconazole
    Learn more about Clotrimazole

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