- Ketoconazole cream vs. nystatin: What's the difference?
- What is ketoconazole cream? What is nystatin?
- What are the side effects of ketoconazole and nystatin?
- What is the dosage of ketoconazole vs. nystatin?
- What drugs interact with ketoconazole and nystatin?
- Are ketoconazole and nystatin safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding?
Ketoconazole cream vs. nystatin: What's the difference?
- Ketoconazole cream and nystatin are antifungal medications prescribed to treat different types of fungal infections.
- Ketoconazole cream is a topical (for the skin) medication used to treat ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot, dandruff, and tinea versicolor.
- Nystatin is an oral anti-fungal medication used to treat intestinal candidiasis.
- Brand names for ketoconazole include Nizoral, Nizoral A-D, Ketodan, Extina, Xolegel, and Kuric.
- Side effects of ketoconazole and nystatin that are similar include nausea, vomiting, and stomach/abdominal pain.
- Side effects of ketoconazole that are different from nystatin include rash, itching, headache, dizziness, fatigue, impotence, and blood count abnormalities.
- Side effects of nystatin that are different from ketoconazole include diarrhea, contact dermatitis, and allergic reactions.
What is ketoconazole cream? What is nystatin?
Ketoconazole cream is an antifungal drug. It is in the same class of drugs as itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), and miconazole (Micatin, Monistat). It prevents growth of several types of fungi by preventing production of the membranes that surround fungal cells. Ketoconazole cream is prescribed to treat fungal infections such as jock itch, athlete's foot, ringworm, dandruff, and tinea versicolor.
Nystatin is an oral antifungal medication used to treat intestinal candidiasis. Nystatin works by binding to sterols in the walls of fungal cells, disturbing the function of the cell wall. The fungal cells eventually lose their contents, leading to their death and improvement of the fungal infection.
IMAGES
Eczema Browse our medical image collection of allergic skin disorders such as psoriasis and dermatitis and more caused by allergies See ImagesWhat are the side effects of ketoconazole and nystatin?
Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole generally is well tolerated. Commonly reported side effects of ketoconazole are:
- rash,
- itching,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- abdominal pain,
- headache,
- dizziness,
- fatigue,
- impotence, and
- blood count abnormalities.
Other important side effects of ketoconazole are rare; they include:
- serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis),
- severe depression,
- hair loss, and
- tingling sensations.
Liver dysfunction also has been reported. Signs of liver problems include unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), dark urine, and pale stools. Development of these symptoms while taking ketoconazole should be reported to a physician.
Nystatin
Common side effects of nystatin tablets and capsules include:
Other side effects of nystatin include:
- Contact dermatitis
- Allergic reactions
Possible serious side effects of nystatin include:
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
What is the dosage of ketoconazole vs. nystatin?
Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole may be taken with or without food. The oral dose range is 200-400 mg daily. Recurrent tinea versicolor is treated with 400 mg monthly. Topical formulations are administered to affected areas once or twice daily.
Nystatin
The recommended dose for treating intestinal candidiasis is 500,000 to 1,000,000 units (1 to 2 tablets) every 8 hours.
What drugs interact with ketoconazole and nystatin?
Ketoconazole
Avoid using 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. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water.
Avoid covering treated skin areas with tight-fitting, synthetic clothing (such as nylon or polyester) that doesn't allow air to circulate to your skin. If you are treating your feet, wear clean cotton socks and sandals or shoes that allow for air circulation. Keep your feet as dry as possible.
Nystatin
There are no significant drug interactions with nystatin oral tablets and capsules.
Are ketoconazole and nystatin safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding?
Ketoconazole
A small amount of ketoconazole is secreted in breast milk. Nursing mothers should probably avoid breastfeeding while using ketoconazole.
Nystatin
There are no adequate studies done with nystatin to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women. It is not known whether nystatin enters breast milk; therefore, it is best for nursing mothers to be cautious before breastfeeding.
Summary
Ketoconazole (Nizoral) and nystatin are antifungal medications prescribed to treat different types of fungal infections. Ketoconazole cream is a topical (for the skin) medication used to treat ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot, dandruff, and tinea versicolor. Nystatin is an oral anti-fungal medication used to treat intestinal candidiasis.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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Jock Itch
Jock itch is an itchy red rash that appears in the groin area. The rash may be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. People with diabetes and those who are obese are more susceptible to developing jock itch. Antifungal shampoos, creams, and pills may be needed to treat fungal jock itch. Bacterial jock itch may be treated with antibacterial soaps and topical and oral antibiotics.
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The term "ringworm" refers to a fungal infection on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment. The different types of ringworm include the following: tinea barbae, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, tinea manus, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium.
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Diaper rash in infants, babies, toddlers, and children is caused by Candida, the most common type of fungus. Signs and symptoms of diaper rash includes red, elevated skin that may be visible under and in the creases of the skin, groin, or anus. Yeast diaper rash is not painful. Treatments for diaper rash include antibiotic creams, lotions, natural home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, and oral antibiotics. Yeast infections in infants, babies, toddlers, and children can cause diaper rash and thrush. Signs and symptoms of thrush include thick, white lacy patches on top of a red base that can form on the tongue, palate, or elsewhere inside the palate. Treatment for yeast infections caused by Candida fungi are similar to the treatments for diaper rash. If Candida gets into the bloodstream of an individual they may get sick with or without a fever. If the Candida infection spreads throughout the body up to 45% of people may die. Even with common mouth thrush can cause critical illness and may be more resistant to normal treatment.
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Tinea versicolor is a fungus infection that mainly affects the skin of young people. Recognized by light or reddish brown spots, and areas lighter than the surrounding skin. Tinea versicolor is caused by yeast actually found in our skin. Factors like heat, humidity, and sweat help it proliferate in people, resulting in a rash that is not contagious to others.
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Is Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris) Contagious?
Jock itch is a fungal infection in the groin area that causes a raised, itchy, red rash. Jock itch can typically be treated with antifungal medications. People may need to seek medical care for jock itch if the groin area becomes swollen, tender, if red streaks appear, or if the lymph nodes become swollen.
Treatment & Diagnosis
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Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus that grows on or in the top layer of skin. See a picture of Athlete's Foot and learn more about the health topic.Fungal Nails
Fungal nails (onychomycosis) may be caused by many species of fungi, but the most common is Trichophyton rubrum. Distal subungal onychomycosis starts as a discolored area at the nail's corner and slowly spread toward the cuticle. In proximal subungal onychomycosis, the infection starts at the cuticle and spreads toward the nail tip. Yeast onychomycosis is caused by Candida and may be the most common cause of fungal fingernail.Is Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris) Contagious?
Jock itch is a fungal infection in the groin area that causes a raised, itchy, red rash. Jock itch can typically be treated with antifungal medications. People may need to seek medical care for jock itch if the groin area becomes swollen, tender, if red streaks appear, or if the lymph nodes become swollen.Jock Itch
Jock itch is an itchy red rash that appears in the groin area. The rash may be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. People with diabetes and those who are obese are more susceptible to developing jock itch. Antifungal shampoos, creams, and pills may be needed to treat fungal jock itch. Bacterial jock itch may be treated with antibacterial soaps and topical and oral antibiotics.
nystatin (oral tablet and capsule)
Nystatin oral tablets and capsules are prescribed to treat a fungal infection called "intestinal candidiasis." Side effects include:
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Ringworm
The term "ringworm" refers to a fungal infection on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment. The different types of ringworm include the following: tinea barbae, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, tinea manus, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium.Ringworm Slideshow
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Dandruff (seborrhea) is a skin disorder that results from neither too much moisture nor too much oil. Dandruff can be treated with shampoos that contain tar, salicylic acid, zinc, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole.Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is a fungus infection that mainly affects the skin of young people. Recognized by light or reddish brown spots, and areas lighter than the surrounding skin. Tinea versicolor is caused by yeast actually found in our skin. Factors like heat, humidity, and sweat help it proliferate in people, resulting in a rash that is not contagious to others.
Which Antibiotic Is Best for An Ear Infection?
Ototopical antibiotics are medications administered topically in the ear for treating middle ear infections. Ototopical antibiotics are usually the first-line treatment for recurrent bacterial ear infections, in the absence of systemic infection.Yeast Infection vs. Diaper Rash in Infants, Toddlers, and Children
Diaper rash in infants, babies, toddlers, and children is caused by Candida, the most common type of fungus. Signs and symptoms of diaper rash is red, elevated skin that may be visible under and in the creases of the skin, groin, or anus. Yeast diaper rash is not painful. Treatments for diaper rash include antibiotic creams, lotions, natural home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, and oral antibiotics.
Yeast infections in infants, babies, toddlers, and children can cause diaper rash, thrush. Signs and symptoms of thrush include thick, white lacy patches on top of a red base can form on the tongue, palate, or elsewhere inside the palate. Treatment for yeast infections caused by Candida fungi are similar to the treatments for diaper rash.
If Candida gets into the blood stream of an individual they may get sick with or without a fever. If the Candida infection spreads throughout the body up to 45% of people may die. Even with common mouth thrush can cause critical illness and may be more resistant to normal treatment.