Compare Ambisome vs. Itraconazole

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Treats fungal infections.

Effective treatment for severe and otherwise, deadly fungal infections.

Treats fungal infections.

Sporanox (itraconazole) is effective oral medication that treats many different kinds of fungal infections. However, it has the potential to interact with a lot of other medications and has a few serious but rare side effects.

Upsides
  • This is a potentially life-saving medication for serious fungal infections.
  • May cause less side effects and harm to your kidneys compared to the conventional formulation of the drug and Abelcet.
  • Your doctor may be able to give you medicines to prevent or manage any reactions you may have to Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome).
  • Sporanox (itraconazole) is effective in treating infections caused by many different types of fungi.
  • Available as a generic in the capsule form.
  • Sporanox (itraconazole) can be used by people who have kidney problems.
Downsides
  • Can only be given as an injection that runs over 1 to 2 hours.
  • Can only be given in a hospital or by trained home health care professional.
  • The entire treatment can range from 1 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity of your infection.
  • Has a lot of side effects like fever, chills, nausea, vomitting, and diarrhea. Your doctor may order regular blood tests to monitor your labs.
  • Your body may have an allergic reaction to the drug or the way it is administered.
  • The liquid solution is especially likely to cause stomach upset like nausea and diarrhea.
  • Sporanox (itraconazole) is not a good choice for simple fungal infections (like nail infections) in people who have congestive heart failure because it can cause high blood pressure and swelling of the limbs.
  • Sporanox (itraconazole) isn't absorbed in the same way by everyone. You'll likely need to get lab tests done to check on its levels in the blood.
  • Sporanox (itraconazole) can cause serious side effects like allergic reactions, liver toxicity, nerve pain, or hearing loss.
  • Sporanox (itraconazole) has a lot of drug interactions. Let your doctor or pharmacist know about all of the medications you're taking.
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Used for
  • Salvage therapy for invasive aspergillosis
  • Blastomycosis
  • Oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis
  • Histoplasmosis
  • Onychomycosis
  • Vulvovaginal candidiasis in HIV-infected patients
  • Coccidioidal meningitis in HIV-infected patients
  • Coccidioidal pneumonia in HIV-infected patients
  • Cryptococcosis in HIV-infected patients
  • Disseminated microsporidiosis in HIV-infected patients
  • Penicilliosis in HIV-infected patients
Dosage forms
  • Injection
  • Pill
  • Liquid
No pricing information available
No pricing information available
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Reviews
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Side effects
44possible side effects
  • Chills
    48%
  • Low potassium
    43%
  • Nausea
    40%
  • Vomiting
    32%
  • Diarrhea
    30%
  • Rash
    25%
  • HIgh glucose
    23%
  • Shortness of breath
    23%
  • Liver labs (alkaline phosphatase) increased
    22%
  • Abnormal kidney function tests (creatinine)
    22%
  • Abnormal kidney function tests (blood urea nitrogen)
    21%
  • Abdominal pain
    20%
  • Low magnesium
    20%
  • Headache
    20%
  • Blood product transfusion reaction
    18%
  • Abnormal liver function (bilirubinemia)
    18%
  • Low calcium
    18%
  • Cough increased
    18%
  • Lung disorder
    18%
  • Insomnia
    17%
  • Abnormal liver enzymes (ALT)
    15%
  • Swelling of the hands and feet
    15%
  • Sudden nose bleeds
    15%
  • Pain
    14%
  • Life-threatening infection
    14%
  • Low blood pressure
    14%
  • Fluid retention
    14%
  • Anxiety
    14%
  • Blood in urine
    14%
  • Weakness
    13%
  • Fast heart rate
    13%
  • Fluid in the lungs
    13%
  • Back pain
    12%
  • Chest pain
    12%
  • Low fluid volume
    12%
  • Infection
    11%
  • Confusion
    11%
  • Runny nose
    11%
  • Itching
    11%
  • Bleeding in the stomach
    9%
  • High blood pressure
    8%
  • Low oxygen in the lungs
    8%
  • Sweating
    7%
  • High sodium
    4%
See more detailed side effects
14possible side effects
  • Nausea
    11%
  • Rash
    9%
  • Vomiting
    5%
  • Swelling due to fluid retention
    4%
  • Headache
    4%
  • Diarrhea
    3%
  • Tiredness
    3%
  • Fever
    3%
  • Itching
    3%
  • High blood pressure
    3%
  • Lowered liver function
    3%
  • Abdominal pain
    2%
  • Dizziness
    2%
  • Low potassium
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Injection related side effects
  • Kidney injury
    • Preexisting kidney disease
    • Dehydration
  • Low magnesium and potassium
    • Preexisting low magnesium or potassium
  • Changes in blood pressure
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Congestive Heart Failure
    • History of congestive heart failure
  • Drug interactions
  • Liver toxicity
  • Irregular heartbeat
    • Taking other medications that can produce an irregular heartbeat
  • Do not switch between the capsules or liquid forms
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome)
Learn more about Sporanox (itraconazole)