Sporanox vs. Ketoconazole (Brand Names: Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric)

Sporanox (itraconazole) and Ketoconazole (Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric) are antifungal medications used to treat infections caused by fungus, which can invade any part of the body.

Ketoconazole is a topical drug specifically used to treat fungal infections of the skin such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and seborrhea (dry, flaking skin).

Side effects of Sporanox and Ketoconazole that are similar include headache.

Side effects of Sporanox that are different from Ketoconazole include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, dizziness, stomach upset, unpleasant taste in your mouth, itching, skin rash, joint pain, muscle pain or weakness, and runny nose or other cold symptoms.

Side effects of Ketoconazole that are different from Sporanox include skin reactions where the medication is applied such as burning, redness, itching, or dryness.

Sporanox may interact with blood thinners, cancer medications, cholesterol medications, cyclosporine, diabetes medications taken by mouth, antibiotics, antifungals, antidepressants, barbiturates, heart or blood pressure medications, HIV/AIDS medicines, sedatives, seizure medications, digoxin, disopyramide, fentanyl, isoniazid, rifabutin, rifampin, sirolimus, or tacrolimus.

Ketoconazole may interact with other skin or hair products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps or shampoos or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Common side effects of Sporanox include:

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• bloating,
• gas,
• headache,
• dizziness,
• stomach upset,
• unpleasant taste in your mouth,
• itching,
• skin rash,
• joint pain,
• muscle pain or weakness, or
• runny nose or other cold symptoms.

Tell your doctor if you have unlikely but serious side effects of Sporanox including:

• signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat),
• trouble breathing,
• unusual tiredness,
• swelling ankles or feet,
• burning/painful/frequent urination,
• decreased sexual interest or ability,
• hair loss,
• muscle cramps,
• weakness,
• fast/irregular heartbeat,
• mental/mood changes (e.g., depression),
• enlarged breasts in men,
• ringing in the ears, or
• temporary or permanent hearing loss.

Common side effects of Ketoconazole include:

• stinging,
• swelling,
• itching,
• irritation,
• dryness, or
• redness of the treated skin.

Headache may also occur. Contact your doctor if you experience serious side effects of ketoconazole topical cream including

• severe itching,
• burning, or irritation where the medication is applied;
• oozing,
• pain, or
• redness of treated skin areas;
• hair loss;
• oily or dry scalp; or eye redness,
• swelling, or
• irritation.

Sporanox (itraconazole) is an antifungal agent used to treat infections caused by fungus, which can invade any part of the body including the lungs, mouth or throat, toenails, or fingernails. Sporanox is available in generic form.

Ketoconazole topical (for the skin) (Brand Names: Extina, Kuric, Nizoral A-D, Nizoral Topical, Xolegel) is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections of the skin such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and seborrhea (dry, flaking skin). Ketoconazole topical is available as a cream, gel, and shampoo. The shampoo is used for the treatment of dandruff.

Many drugs may interact with Sporanox, including blood thinners, cancer medications, cholesterol medications, cyclosporine, diabetes medication taken by mouth, antibiotics, antifungal medications, antidepressants, barbiturates, heart or blood pressure medications, HIV/AIDS medicine, sedatives, seizure medications, digoxin, disopyramide, fentanyl, isoniazid, rifabutin, rifampin, sirolimus, or tacrolimus. Tell your doctor all medications you are taking. During pregnancy, Sporanox should be used only when prescribed. It may harm a fetus. Discuss the risks with your doctor.

Other drugs may affect ketoconazole topical. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. Ketoconazole should be used only if prescribed during pregnancy. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Dosage of Sporanox depends upon the condition for which it is being used to treat.

To treat cutaneous candidiasis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis, and tinea (pityriasis) versicolor the recommended dose of ketoconazole cream, 2% is to apply once daily to cover the affected and immediate surrounding area. To treat seborrheic dermatitis, apply Ketoconazole cream, 2% to the affected area twice daily for four weeks or until clinical clearing.