What is the Difference Between Ketoconazole and Miconazole

The main difference between Ketoconazole and Miconazole is ketoconazole is a cream prescribed to treat fungal infections such as ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot, dandruff, and tinea versicolor whereas miconazole is important in treating vaginal yeast infections in adults and children 12 years of age and older.

Ketoconazole and miconazole are two antifungal medications that inhibit the synthesis of essential cell membrane components of fungi. Miconazole can exert direct physicochemical cell membrane damage at relatively high levels, but ketoconazole cannot.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Ketoconazole
   • Definition, Features, Importance
2. What is Miconazole
   • Definition, Features, Importance
3. Similarities Between Ketoconazole and Miconazole
   • Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Ketoconazole and Miconazole
   • Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Antifungal, Ketoconazole, Miconazole

What is Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is medication important in treating skin infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and certain kinds of dandruff. Other skin conditions in which ketoconazole is important include pityriasis (tinea versicolor), a fungal infection that causes a lightening or darkening of the skin of the neck, chest, arms, or legs. The main feature of ketoconazole is that it is an azole antifungal that works by preventing the growth of fungus.

Figure 1: Ketoconazole

Furthermore, ketoconazole can be applied to the skin. Redness is a common side effect of the cream when applied to the skin. When taken by mouth, severe fungal infections, nausea, headache, and liver problems can occur.

What is Miconazole

Miconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat ringworm, pityriasis versicolor, and yeast infections of the skin or vagina. It is important in treating ringworm in the body, groin (jock itch), and feet (athlete’s foot). Furthermore, it is applied to the skin or vagina as a cream or ointment. On the other hand, the most common side effects of miconazole include itchiness or irritation. During pregnancy, it is safe to use.

Figure 2: Miconazole

Moreover, miconazole is in the imidazole family of medications and works by decreasing the ability of fungi to make ergosterol, an important part of their cell membrane.

Similarities Between Ketoconazole and Miconazole

• Ketoconazole and miconazole are two types of medication important in treating fungal infections on the skin.
• Moreover, both are available in the form of creams.
• In addition, they are important in treating ringworm in the body, groin (jock itch), and feet (athlete’s foot).

Difference Between Ketoconazole and Miconazole

Definition

Ketoconazole refers to an antiandrogen and antifungal medication used to treat a number of fungal infections while miconazole refers to an antifungal medication used to treat ringworm, pityriasis versicolor, and yeast infections of the skin or vagina.

Chemical Formula

The chemical formula of ketoconazole is C₂₆H₂₈Cl₂N₄O₄ while the chemical formula of miconazole is C₁₈H₁₄Cl₄N₂O.

Types

Usually, ketoconazole is oral or it can be applied on the skin while miconazole is a cream.

Importance

Ketoconazole is important in treating ringworm in the body, groin (jock itch), and feet (athlete’s foot) while miconazole is important in treating ringworm, pityriasis versicolor, and yeast infections of the skin or vagina.

Side Effects

The side effects upon application in ketoconazole include redness while the side effects upon application in miconazole include itchiness and irritation.

Effect

Miconazole can exert direct physicochemical cell membrane damage at relatively high levels, but ketoconazole removes the darkness or lightness of the skin caused by fungal infections.

Conclusion

In brief, ketoconazole and miconazole are two types of medication for ringworm in the body, groin (jock itch), and feet (athlete’s foot). However, miconazole can damage the cell membrane of fungi. Therefore, the main difference between ketoconazole and miconazole is their effect.

References:

1. Ketoconazole cream (nizoral) vs. Miconazole (Monistat). MedicineNet. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
2. S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Miconazole vaginal: Medlineplus Drug Information. MedlinePlus. Retrieved August 24, 2022.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Ketoconazole shampoo skin ” By Amin – Own Work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Miconazol ” By André – Own Work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia