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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

 

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Econazole

 

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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 Econazole

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 for Econazole

Pros and Cons for Econazole

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

Common Side Effects for Econazole

  • Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.

Warnings for Econazole

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

Prices with our coupons for Ketoconazole vs. Econazole

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Ketoconazole1 tube / 60g of 2%
$18.56$68.23
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Econazole1 tube / 85g of 1%
$26.09$146.16
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