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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

 

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Fluconazole

(Diflucan)

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Summary for Ketoconazole

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.

Indications for Ketoconazole

Pros and Cons for Ketoconazole

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

Common Side Effects for Ketoconazole

  • Itchiness (5%)
  • Skin irritation (5%)
  • Stinging (5%)

Warnings for Ketoconazole

  • Allergic reaction

Summary for Diflucan

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 for Diflucan

Pros and Cons for Diflucan

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

Common Side Effects for Diflucan

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 for Diflucan

  • Liver damage
  • Allergic reaction
  • Severe skin reaction
  • Harm to unborn babies

Prices with our coupons for Ketoconazole vs. Diflucan

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Ketoconazole1 tube / 60g of 2%
$19.62$76.62
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Fluconazole2 tablets / 150mg
$10.16$46.33
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