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Compare Ketoconazole vs. Noxafil

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

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.

  • Ketoconazole cream
    Posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion
  • Ketoconazole cream
    Posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion

  • Summary of Ketoconazole vs. Noxafil

    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

    Posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion is an azole antifungal. It's used to treat serious Aspergillus fungal infections in adults and children ages 13 years and older. It's also used to prevent Candida and Aspergillus infections (prophylaxis) in adults and children ages 2 years and older with weakened immune systems. Posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion is given as an infusion into the veins, typically twice a day on the first day and then once a day thereafter. This medication is available under the brand name Noxafil and as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and abnormal liver tests.

  • Indications of Ketoconazole vs. Noxafil

    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
    •Prevention of serious fungal infections caused by Candida and Aspergillus
    •Treatment of serious Aspergillus infection

  • Pros and Cons of Ketoconazole vs. Noxafil

    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
    •Can be used in adults and children
    •Once-daily dosing after the first day
    •A good option for people who can't take medications by mouth
    Cons
    •Many interactions with other medications
    •Might not be a good option for people with moderate or severe kidney problems
    •Might not be safe during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Ketoconazole vs. Noxafil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Itchiness (5%)
    •Skin irritation (5%)
    •Stinging (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (32%)
    •Low potassium levels (22%)
    •Fever (21%)
    •Nausea (19%)
    •Rash (15%)
    •Nose bleed (14%)
    •Headache (14%)
    •Stomach pain (13%)
    •Vomiting (12%)
    •Chills (12%)
    •Swelling in arms or legs (12%)

    Note: The side effects listed above were reported by adults taking posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion for prevention of fungal infections.

  • Warnings of Ketoconazole vs. Noxafil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •QT prolongation (heart rhythm problem)
    •Changes in electrolytes
    •Liver damage
    •Interaction with transplant medications
    •Interaction with midazolam
    •Interaction with vincristine
    •Interaction with venetoclax

  • Prices with our coupons for Ketoconazole vs. Noxafil

    Learn more about Ketoconazole cream
    Learn more about Posaconazole

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