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.
