Ketoconazole topical cream vs. clotrimazole topical cream: A detailed guide

This article explains how ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream are similar and different. You can view these articles about ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream if you’d like more information about these drugs.

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Questions about ketoconazole and clotrimazole

Below, you’ll find answers to some common questions about ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream.

Can I use ketoconazole and clotrimazole together?

No, it’s not typically recommended to use ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream together. These drugs are antifungals and they’re effective in treating the fungal skin infections that they’re approved for.

It’s not necessary to use both together. For more details about the conditions the drugs are approved for, see the “Uses of ketoconazole and clotrimazole” section below.

If you have questions about ketoconazole topical cream or clotrimazole topical cream, talk with your doctor. They can explain why one drug may be a better choice than the other. They can also give you advice about how to use either of these drugs. This includes how to apply it correctly and how long to use the product.

Is ketoconazole stronger than clotrimazole?

Not necessarily. Like all drugs, you may react differently to one medication than another. Ketoconazole topical cream comes in a 2% strength. Clotrimazole topical cream comes in a 1% strength. But this doesn’t mean one drug is necessarily stronger than the other.

There are a few factors that can affect how you respond to ketoconazole topical cream or clotrimazole topical cream. These include:

• the condition you’re using the drug to treat
• the dosage you’re prescribed
• how you use the medication
• other medical conditions you have

If you have questions about whether ketoconazole topical cream or clotrimazole topical cream is a better choice for your condition, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may have reasons to prescribe one drug over another. They can also advise how to use either of these drugs, such as how to apply it correctly and how long to use it.

Between ketoconazole and clotrimazole, is one a better treatment for fungal infections?

Doctors may prescribe either ketoconazole topical cream or clotrimazole topical cream to treat certain types of fungal skin infections. In studies, ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream were both effective for this purpose.

That said, these medications differ in some ways. For instance, they:

• come in different strengths
• have different dosages
• are used in different age groups

Keep in mind that your results from using ketoconazole topical cream or clotrimazole topical cream may differ from those seen in studies.

Your doctor can help determine whether one option is better for your condition. They’ll recommend this based on your specific needs and health factors. Talk with your doctor if you’d like to learn more about which drug is right for you.

Uses of ketoconazole and clotrimazole

Here’s a summary of the approved uses of ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream:

If you’d like to know more about using either medication for your condition, ask your doctor. They can recommend whether ketoconazole topical cream or clotrimazole topical cream is an option to consider.

Cost of ketoconazole and clotrimazole

As with the cost of other medications, the cost of ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream can vary. Their price may be affected by:

• whether they’re covered by health insurance, if you have coverage
• the pharmacy they’re purchased from

Coupons and cost savings

To view drug prices when Optum Perks coupons are applied, see this coupon page for ketoconazole topical cream and this coupon page for clotrimazole topical cream. You can also check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

The options described in this article may also help you save on your prescription.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Brand-name versions

Ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream are generic medications. Ketoconazole topical cream is available in the brand-name version Nizoral. Clotrimazole topical cream is available in the brand-name versions Clotrim Antifungal and Lotrim.

A generic medication is an identical copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. An active ingredient is what makes medication work. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. And they’re believed to be as safe and effective as the brand-name versions.

If your doctor prescribed ketoconazole topical cream or clotrimazole topical cream, but you’d like to know about taking its brand-name version, let your doctor or pharmacist know. They can help determine whether the brand-name version is right for you.

Dosage of ketoconazole and clotrimazole

Below is dosage information for the conditions that both ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream are prescribed to treat. Topical products are applied to the skin. To get detailed dosage information for all conditions that these drugs treat, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The dosages below are provided by the drugmakers of ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream. If your doctor prescribes either medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. They’ll advise the dosage that’s best for your condition. Do not adjust your dosage without first talking with your doctor.

Ketoconazole topical cream’s dosage

Below is a summary of ketoconazole topical cream’s recommended dosages in adults.

Clotrimazole topical cream’s dosage

Below is a summary of clotrimazole topical cream’s recommended dosages in adults and children.

Side effects of ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream

Ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream may cause mild or serious side effects. Some of the more common mild side effects of each drug are listed below. Serious side effects of ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream are also listed.

Keep in mind that your side effects may differ from those listed below. They can vary based on your overall health, any other medications you take, and your age.

This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of these medications. To find more information, you can view the prescribing information for ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream. You can also check out this article about clotrimazole topical cream side effects or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Mild side effects

Below are some of the mild side effects reported with ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream:

Serious side effects

Below is a serious side effect reported with ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream:

With a lot of drugs, serious side effects are possible, but they’re not common. If you have serious side effects from ketoconazole topical cream or clotrimazole topical cream, call your doctor right away. If your symptoms are severe or you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Warnings for ketoconazole and clotrimazole

Some medications may not be recommended for you if you have certain factors affecting your health. These are referred to as a drug’s warnings.

Some people should not use ketoconazole topical cream or clotrimazole topical cream, and others should use either medication with caution.

Before using either medication, talk with your doctor about your health conditions, past surgeries, and any medications you take. Your doctor can recommend whether either drug is safe for you.

Warnings for ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream are summarized in the table below:

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more details about the warnings and precautions of these drugs. You can also view the prescribing information for ketoconazole topical cream and clotrimazole topical cream.

What to ask a doctor

If you’re trying to decide whether ketoconazole topical cream or clotrimazole topical cream is better for you, talk with your doctor. They can recommend the best option.

Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Is there a reason why ketoconazole topical cream might be better for my condition than clotrimazole topical cream?
• How long should I use ketoconazole topical cream or clotrimazole topical cream?
• What should I do if I miss a dose of ketoconazole topical cream or clotrimazole topical cream?
• How should I apply ketoconazole topical cream or clotrimazole topical cream?
• Is it okay to use an over-the-counter version of clotrimazole cream instead of a prescription?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.