What each one is for, how to take it, side effects and warnings, side by side from the official labels.
| Ketoconazole | Clotrimazole | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | An antifungal | An antifungal |
| Used for | Ketoconazole shampoo, 2% is indicated for the treatment of tinea (pityriasis) versicolor caused by or presumed to be caused by Pityrosporum orbiculare (also known as Malassezia furfur or M. orbiculare ) . Note: Tinea (pityriasis) versicolor may give rise to hy… | Cures athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), ringworm (tinea corporis). Relieves the itching, irritation, redness, scaling and discomfort which can accompany these conditions. |
| Children | Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established. | |
| Prescription (U.S.) | Yes | No (over the counter) |
| Common side effects | Clinical Trials Experience In 11 double-blind trials in 264 patients using ketoconazole shampoo, 2% for the treatment of dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, an increase in normal hair loss and irritation occurred in less than 1% of… | Stop use and ask doctor if • irritaion occurs • There is no improvement within 4 weeks (for athlete's foot or ringworm) or within 2 weeks (for jock itch). |
| Pregnancy | Teratogenic effects: Pregnancy Category C: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Ketoconazole should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the… | Not on the label |
From the official U.S. labels. Brands and strengths differ between countries.
Neither official label mentions the other. That does not prove they are safe together: ask a pharmacist, and use the free interaction checker.
Check them togetherKetoconazole is an antifungal and Clotrimazole is an antifungal. Ketoconazole is used for: Ketoconazole shampoo, 2% is indicated for the treatment of tinea (pityriasis) versicolor caused by or presumed to be caused by Pityrosporum orbiculare (also known as Malassezia furfur or M. orbiculare ) . Note: Tinea (pityriasis) versicolor may give rise to hy… Clotrimazole is used for: Cures athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), ringworm (tinea corporis). Relieves the itching, irritation, redness, scaling and discomfort which can accompany these conditions.
Neither official label mentions the other. That does not prove they are safe together: ask a pharmacist, and use the free interaction checker.
It depends on what you are treating, your health and other medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you which one suits you; this page shows what each official label says.