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Compare Sporanox vs. Econazole

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

Key takeaways

Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura) and econazole (Ecoza) are both antifungal medications, but they are used differently. Itraconazole is taken orally and is used to treat serious fungal infections like blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis, as well as fungal nail infections. It must be taken with food and can interact with many other medications, leading to serious side effects like heart problems and liver damage. On the other hand, econazole is a topical medication applied to the skin to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections on the skin. Econazole is generally well-tolerated with few side effects, but it can cause mild skin irritation. Both are availible in genric forms. Econazole does not have the same severe side effects or interactions. Additionally, econazole is not used for serious internal infections and is only applied to the skin, while itraconazole is used for more severe infections and taken by mouth.

  • Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule
    Econazole
  • Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule
    Econazole

  • Summary of Sporanox vs. Econazole

    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

    Econazole is a prescription antifungal medication that's applied to the skin to treat certain fungal skin infections, such as ringworm, jock itch, and athlete's foot. Econazole is typically used once or twice a day for 2 or 4 weeks, depending on the type of infection you have. The topical cream is available only as a lower-cost generic for adults. There's also a foam under the brand name Ecoza for people 12 years and older with athlete's foot between the toes. Most people have few to no side effects from econazole, though it's possible to have mild skin irritation.

  • Indications of Sporanox vs. Econazole

    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
    •Athlete’s foot
    •Jock itch - cream only
    •Ringworm - cream only
    •Tinea versicolor - cream only
    •Yeast infection on the skin - cream only

  • Pros and Cons of Sporanox vs. Econazole

    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
    •Applied once or twice a day, depending on the fungal skin infection you have
    •Generally well-tolerated
    •Lower-cost generic available for the topical cream
    Cons
    •Can take a few weeks to completely get rid of the fungal skin infection
    •Requires a prescription, unlike similar over-the-counter products
    •Might interact with warfarin (Coumadin) and raise the risk of bleeding

  • Common Side Effects of Sporanox vs. Econazole

    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
    •Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.

  • Warnings of Sporanox vs. Econazole

    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
    •Allergic reactions
    •Contents under pressure and flammable (Ecoza foam only)

  • Prices with our coupons for Sporanox vs. Econazole

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    Learn more about Econazole

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