Are cetoconazole and clotrimazole the same antifungal medication? | Rounds Are cetoconazole and clotrimazole the same antifungal medication? | Rounds
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Are cetoconazole and clotrimazole the same antifungal medication?

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Last updated: July 14, 2026 · View editorial policy

Azole Antifungal Drug Comparison (Ketoconazole vs Clotrimazole)

Cetoconazole is a misspelling of ketoconazole, which is a different medication from clotrimazole. [1]

Both drugs are azole antifungals, and both are classified as imidazoles, but they are not the same drug. [2]

Drug Identity

  • Ketoconazole is an imidazole antifungal. [3]
  • Clotrimazole is an imidazole antifungal. [2]

Shared Drug Class

  • Ketoconazole and clotrimazole share the azole mechanism class and both are grouped among “imidazoles” in clinical antifungal references. [2]

Practical Implication

  • Because ketoconazole and clotrimazole are distinct drugs, products labeled with one ingredient should not be assumed to be interchangeable with products labeled with the other. [2]

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