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Compare Sporanox vs. Diflucan

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

Key takeaways

Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura) and fluconazole (Diflucan) are both antifungal medications, but they have some key differences. Itraconazole is used to treat severe fungal infections like blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis, as well as fungal nail infections. It must be taken with food and can cause serious heart-related side effects. Fluconazole, on the other hand, is used for various Candida infections, including vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush, and can also treat cryptococcal meningitis. It can be taken with or without food and is generally well-tolerated, though it can cause liver problems. Itraconazole interacts with many medications and has a higher risk of causing heart and liver issues, while fluconazole is considered safer for breastfeeding but is not recommended during pregnancy. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable.

  • Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule
    Fluconazole (Diflucan)
  • Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule
    Fluconazole (Diflucan)

  • Summary of Sporanox vs. Diflucan

    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

    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.

  • Indications of Sporanox vs. Diflucan

    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 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

  • Pros and Cons of Sporanox vs. Diflucan

    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
    •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

  • Common Side Effects of Sporanox vs. Diflucan

    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

    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%)

  • Warnings of Sporanox vs. Diflucan

    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
    •Liver damage
    •Allergic reaction
    •Severe skin reaction
    •Harm to unborn babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Sporanox vs. Diflucan

    Learn more about Itraconazole
    Learn more about Fluconazole

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