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Compare Ketoconazole vs. Econazole

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

Key takeaways

Ketoconazole (Nizoral) and econazole (Ecoza) are both topical antifungal medications used to treat similar fungal skin infections like ringworm, jock itch, and athlete's foot. However, there are some differences between the two. Ketoconazole is available in multiple forms, including cream, gel, foam, and shampoo, while econazole is available as a cream and foam. Ketoconazole is also used to treat seborrheic dermatitis, a condition econazole is not approved to treat. For athlete's foot, ketoconazole cream typically requires a 6-week treatment, whereas econazole cream usually needs 4 weeks. Both medications are generally well-tolerated, but econazole might raise the risk of bleeding with warfarin (Coumadin) and ketoconazole may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

  • Ketoconazole cream
    Econazole
  • Ketoconazole cream
    Econazole

  • Summary of Ketoconazole vs. Econazole

    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.

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Econazole is a prescription antifungal medication that's applied to the skin to treat certain fungal skin infections, such as ringworm, jock itch, and athlete's foot. Econazole is typically used once or twice a day for 2 or 4 weeks, depending on the type of infection you have. The topical cream is available only as a lower-cost generic for adults. There's also a foam under the brand name Ecoza for people 12 years and older with athlete's foot between the toes. Most people have few to no side effects from econazole, though it's possible to have mild skin irritation.

  • Indications of Ketoconazole vs. Econazole

    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
    Indications for
    •Athlete’s foot
    •Jock itch - cream only
    •Ringworm - cream only
    •Tinea versicolor - cream only
    •Yeast infection on the skin - cream only

  • Pros and Cons of Ketoconazole vs. Econazole

    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.
    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Applied once or twice a day, depending on the fungal skin infection you have
    •Generally well-tolerated
    •Lower-cost generic available for the topical cream
    Cons
    •Can take a few weeks to completely get rid of the fungal skin infection
    •Requires a prescription, unlike similar over-the-counter products
    •Might interact with warfarin (Coumadin) and raise the risk of bleeding

  • Common Side Effects of Ketoconazole vs. Econazole

    Common Side Effects for
    •Itching (5%)
    •Skin irritation (5%)
    •Stinging (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.

  • Warnings of Ketoconazole vs. Econazole

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Use only on your skin
    •Allergic reactions
    •Contents under pressure and flammable (Ecoza foam only)

  • Prices with our coupons for Ketoconazole vs. Econazole

    Learn more about Ketoconazole cream
    Learn more about Econazole

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