Key takeaways
Ketoconazole cream and posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion are both antifungal medications, but they are used in different ways and for different types of infections. Ketoconazole cream is a topical antifungal used to treat skin infections like ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot, and seborrheic dermatitis. It is applied directly to the skin and is available as a generic prescription. Posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion, on the other hand, is an azole antifungal given through an IV to treat or prevent serious fungal infections like those caused by *Aspergillus* and *Candida*. It is used in adults and children with weakened immune systems. While ketoconazole cream is applied once daily for 2 to 6 weeks depending on the infection, posaconazole infusion is typically given twice on the first day and then once daily. Ketoconazole cream has few side effects, mainly skin irritation, while posaconazole infusion can cause more serious side effects like liver problems and abnormal heart rhythms. Posaconazole also has many drug interactions, which is not a concern with ketoconazole cream.
