Compare Sporanox vs. Ketoconazole
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura) and ketoconazole (Nizoral) are both antifungal medications, but they are used in different ways and for different types of infections. Itraconazole is taken orally and is used to treat serious fungal infections like blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis, as well as fungal nail infections. It requires a prescription and must be taken with food. Itraconazole can cause serious side effects, including heart problems and liver damage, and it interacts with many other medications. On the other hand, ketoconazole is a topical cream used to treat fungal skin infections such as ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot, and seborrheic dermatitis. It is also prescription-only but has fewer side effects since it is applied to the skin and not absorbed into the bloodstream. Unlike itraconazole, ketoconazole cream is not known to cause serious heart or liver issues. However, it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in people with asthma or sulfite allergies.
- Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsuleKetoconazole cream
- Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsuleKetoconazole cream
Summary of Sporanox vs. Ketoconazole
Summary for AntifungalPrescription onlyItraconazole (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 AntifungalPrescription onlyKetoconazole cream is an antifungal medication. It's used to treat different types of fungal skin infections, including ringworm and yeast skin infections. Ketoconazole cream is approved for adults only. It's typically applied onto the skin once or twice a day. Most people have very few side effects, like itching and stinging where the cream is applied.
Indications of Sporanox vs. Ketoconazole
Indications forSevere fungal infections in people with weakened or healthy immune systems - itraconazole (Tolsura) and itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule:
Fungal toenail and fingernail infections (onychomycosis) for people with healthy immune systems - itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule only
Indications for•Tinea versicolor (a fungal infection that causes discolored patches on the skin)•Yeast infection on the skin (caused by Candida)Pros and Cons of Sporanox vs. Ketoconazole
Pros and Const for AntifungalPros•Works to treat some serious and life-threatening fungal infections•Available as a lower-cost generic•Can be taken once a day for most conditionsCons•Can raise your risk for serious heart problems, including heart failure•Must be taken for several weeks to months•Interacts with many medicationsPros and Const for AntifungalPros•Can treat many different kinds of fungal skin infections•Skin usually starts improving shortly after you start using the cream•Applied directly to the affected area(s)•Has few side effectsCons•Must use for at least 2 weeks (depends on the type of infection)•Not available over the counter•Some creams have sulfites, which can cause allergic reactions in certain people•Not known if safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeedingCommon Side Effects of Sporanox vs. Ketoconazole
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•Itchiness (5%)•Skin irritation (5%)•Stinging (5%)Warnings of Sporanox vs. Ketoconazole
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 reactionPrices with our coupons for Sporanox vs. Ketoconazole
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