What each one is for, how to take it, side effects and warnings, side by side from the official labels.
| Ketoconazole | Itraconazole | |
|---|---|---|
| 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… | is indicated for the treatment of the following fungal infections in immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised adult patients: Blastomycosis, pulmonary and extrapulmonary Histoplasmosis, including chronic cavitary pulmonary disease and disseminated, non-meni… |
| Children | Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established. | |
| Prescription (U.S.) | Yes | Yes |
| 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… | The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Congestive Heart Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Cardiac Dysrhythmi… |
| Serious warning | Not on the label | and DRUG INTERACTIONS WARNING: CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE and DRUG INTERACTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Congestive Heart Failure TOLSURA can cause or exacerbate cong… |
| 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… | 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no data on exposure to itraconazole during pregnancy for the approved indications. Published epidemiologic studies of women exposed to short courses of treatment w… |
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 Itraconazole 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… Itraconazole is used for: is indicated for the treatment of the following fungal infections in immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised adult patients: Blastomycosis, pulmonary and extrapulmonary Histoplasmosis, including chronic cavitary pulmonary disease and disseminated, non-meni…
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.