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Compare Noxafil vs. Sporanox

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

Key takeaways

Posaconazole (Noxafil) and itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura) are both antifungal medications, but they have some key differences. Posaconazole is available in multiple forms, including oral tablets, liquid suspension, and intravenous infusion, while itraconazole is only available in oral forms. Posaconazole is used to prevent and treat serious fungal infections, including those caused by *Candida* and *Aspergillus*, and is also used for oral thrush. Itraconazole treats severe fungal infections like blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis, and is also used for fungal nail infections. Posaconazole can be hard on the liver and kidneys and has many drug interactions. Itraconazole is also hard on the liver and can cause serious heart problems, including congestive heart failure, and also has numerous drug interactions. Both medications require you to take them with food for better absorption, but posaconazole is generally more expensive and has more common side effects like diarrhea and fever.

  • Posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion
    Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule
  • Posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion
    Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule

  • Summary of Noxafil vs. Sporanox

    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.

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule is used to treat various fungal infections. You might have to take it for several weeks or months. It interacts with many medications, which can lead to serious heart-related side effects.

  • Indications of Noxafil vs. Sporanox

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

    Severe fungal infections in people with weakened or healthy immune systems - itraconazole (Tolsura) and itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule:

    •Blastomycosis
    •Histoplasmosis
    •Aspergillosis in people in which amphotericin b (Ambisome) hasn't worked or isn't tolerated

    Fungal toenail and fingernail infections (onychomycosis) for people with healthy immune systems - itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule only

  • Pros and Cons of Noxafil vs. Sporanox

    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
    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Works to treat some serious and life-threatening fungal infections
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can be taken once a day for most conditions
    Cons
    •Can raise your risk for serious heart problems, including heart failure
    •Must be taken for several weeks to months
    •Interacts with many medications

  • Common Side Effects of Noxafil vs. Sporanox

    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.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Rash (3-9%)
    •Vomiting (5%)
    •Swelling in the arms and legs (4%)
    •Headache (1-4%)

  • Warnings of Noxafil vs. Sporanox

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Congestive heart failure (CHF)
    •Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Liver damage
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Hearing loss
    •Vision problems
    •Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)

  • Prices with our coupons for Noxafil vs. Sporanox

    Learn more about Posaconazole
    Learn more about Itraconazole

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