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.
