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.
