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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) capsule
    Ketoconazole cream
  • Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule
    Ketoconazole cream

  • Summary of Sporanox vs. Ketoconazole

    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

    Ketoconazole cream can help treat several different types of fungal skin infections. It's applied onto the skin and has very few side effects. This medication is only FDA approved for use in adults, since it isn't known if it's safe or works well in children.

  • Indications of Sporanox vs. Ketoconazole

    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
    •Ringworm
    •Jock itch
    •Athlete's foot
    •Tinea versicolor (a fungal infection that causes discolored patches on the skin)
    •Seborrheic dermatitis
    •Skin yeast infection caused by Candida

  • Pros and Cons of Sporanox vs. Ketoconazole

    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
    •Works well to treat many fungal skin infections
    •Skin usually starts improving shortly after starting treatment
    •Has few side effects
    •Applied directly to the affected area(s)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Must use for 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the type of infection
    •Not available over the counter
    •Not approved for use in children
    •Unknown if safe for pregnant or breastfeeding females
    •Some products are made with sulfites, which can cause allergies in some people.

  • Common 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
    •Itching (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 reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Sporanox vs. Ketoconazole

    Learn more about Itraconazole
    Learn more about Ketoconazole cream

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