Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Ketoconazole vs. Cresemba

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

Key takeaways

Ketoconazole cream and Cresemba (isavuconazonium) are both antifungal medications, but they are used for different types of fungal infections. Ketoconazole cream is a topical antifungal used to treat skin infections like ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot, tinea versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis, and skin yeast infections caused by *Candida*. It is applied directly to the skin and is not absorbed into the bloodstream, which means it has fewer side effects. Cresemba, on the other hand, is an azole antifungal available in oral and injectable forms, used to treat serious fungal infections like invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis. Cresemba is taken by mouth or through an IV, and it can cause more systemic side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and liver issues. Ketoconazole cream is available as a generic, while Cresemba is only available as a brand-name medication. Additionally, Cresemba can interact with other medications, including ketoconazole, and should be avoided during pregnancy.

  • Ketoconazole cream
    Cresemba (isavuconazonium)
  • Ketoconazole cream
    Cresemba (isavuconazonium)

  • Summary of Ketoconazole vs. Cresemba

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Ketoconazole 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.

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Cresemba (isavuconazonium) is an azole antifungal. It's used to treat invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis fungal infections in adults and children. Cresemba (isavuconazonium) capsules can be take by people ages 6 years and older (weighing at least 16 kg). Cresemba (isavuconazonium) intravenous (IV) infusions can be given to people ages 1 year and older. Treatment typically starts off with a loading dose taken every 8 hours for 2 days, then a maintenance dose taken once per day. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

  • Indications of Ketoconazole vs. Cresemba

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

    Serious fungal infections that have spread to the bloodstream:

    •Invasive aspergillosis
    •Invasive mucormycosis

  • Pros and Cons of Ketoconazole vs. Cresemba

    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •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 effects
    Cons
    •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 breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Works well to treat aspergillosis and mucormycosis
    •Available as a capsule and an injection
    •Only has to be taken once a day (after the first 2 days)
    •IV infusion can be given to children as young as 1 years old
    Cons
    •Not safe while pregnant or breastfeeding
    •Can interact with other medications
    •Rare risk of serious liver problems
    •Only available as brand-name medication

  • Common Side Effects of Ketoconazole vs. Cresemba

    Common Side Effects for
    •Itchiness (5%)
    •Skin irritation (5%)
    •Stinging (5%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Nausea (28%)
    •Vomiting (25%)
    •Diarrhea (24%)
    •Low potassium levels (19%)
    •Stomach pain (17%)
    •Headache (17%)
    •Elevated liver enzymes (17%)
    •Trouble breathing (17%)
    •Swelling of the limbs (15%)
    •Constipation (14%)
    •Fatigue (11%)
    •Trouble sleeping (11%)
    •Back pain (10%)
    •Kidney failure (10%)

    Children:

    •Diarrhea (26%)
    •Stomach pain (23%)
    •Vomiting (21%)
    •Elevated liver enzymes (18%)
    •Rash (14%)
    •Nausea (13%)
    •Headaches (12%)

  • Warnings of Ketoconazole vs. Cresemba

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Harm during pregnancy
    •Serious medication interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Ketoconazole vs. Cresemba

    Learn more about Ketoconazole cream
    Learn more about Cresemba

Compare other Fungal Infection drugs

Clotrimazole vs KetoconazoleItraconazole vs KetoconazoleKetoconazole vs CresembaKetoconazole vs DiflucanKetoconazole vs EconazoleKetoconazole vs NoxafilKetoconazole vs OravigKetoconazole vs TriamcinoloneKetoconazole vs VfendSporanox vs KetoconazoleClobetasol vs TriamcinoloneClotrimazole vs TriamcinoloneDesonide vs TriamcinoloneDiflucan vs SporanoxFluocinonide vs TriamcinoloneItraconazole vs EconazoleLamisil vs SporanoxMometasone vs TriamcinoloneMupirocin vs TriamcinoloneNystatin vs EconazoleTacrolimus vs TriamcinoloneTretinoin vs TriamcinoloneTriamcinolone vs ExtinaTriamcinolone vs HydrocortisoneTriamcinolone vs LidexTriamcinolone vs NizoralTriamcinolone vs XolegelVfend vs AmbisomeVfend vs DiflucanVfend vs Noxafil
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.