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Compare Ketoconazole vs. Diflucan

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

Key takeaways

Ketoconazole cream and fluconazole (Diflucan) are both antifungal medications used to treat fungal infections, but they differ in several ways. Ketoconazole cream is applied topically and is used to treat skin infections like ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot, and seborrheic dermatitis. It is not available over the counter and is only approved for use in adults. On the other hand, fluconazole is taken orally or by injection and treats a wider range of infections, including vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and cryptococcal meningitis. Fluconazole is available as a generic and can be used in both adults and children. While ketoconazole cream has few side effects, such as itching and irritation, fluconazole can cause headaches, nausea, and, in rare cases, liver damage. Additionally, fluconazole interacts with many medications and is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to unborn babies.

  • Ketoconazole cream
    Fluconazole (Diflucan)
  • Ketoconazole cream
    Fluconazole (Diflucan)

  • Summary of Ketoconazole vs. Diflucan

    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

    Fluconazole (Diflucan) is an azole antifungal. It's used to treat different types of Candida infections, such as vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush. It can also treat a serious brain infection called cryptococcal meningitis. Oral fluconazole (Diflucan) is available as a tablet and suspension. It's taken by mouth as a one-time dose for vaginal yeast infections; it's typically taken once daily for other types of infections. Fluconazole (Diflucan) is generally well-tolerated, but some people can experience side effects like headache, nausea, and stomach pain. Fluconazole (Diflucan) can raise the risk of liver problems, so you're recommend to avoiding drinking alcohol while taking this medication.

  • Indications of Ketoconazole vs. Diflucan

    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
    •Treatment of infections caused by Candida:
    •Vaginal yeast infections
    •Mouth, throat, or esophagus infections, including oral thrush
    •Bloodstream infections
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Peritonitis (infection of the lining of the stomach)
    •Pneumonia
    •Prevention of Candida fungal infections for people having a bone marrow transplant
    •Cryptococcus meningitis

  • Pros and Cons of Ketoconazole vs. Diflucan

    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
    •Taken once daily for most infections
    •Considered acceptable to take while breastfeeding
    •Oral liquid comes flavored for better taste
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Not recommended during pregnancy due to the potential risk of harm to babies
    •Rare risk of liver problems

  • Common Side Effects of Ketoconazole vs. Diflucan

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

    Single dose for vaginal yeast infection:

    •Headache (13%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)

    Multiple doses for other infections:

    •Nausea (4%)
    •Headache (2%)
    •Skin rash (2%)
    •Vomiting (2%)
    •Stomach pain (2%)
    •Diarrhea (2%)

  • Warnings of Ketoconazole vs. Diflucan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Allergic reaction
    •Severe skin reaction
    •Harm to unborn babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Ketoconazole vs. Diflucan

    Learn more about Ketoconazole cream
    Learn more about Fluconazole

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