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Fluconazole in Vet Medicine - Facts and Information

Fluconazole

Updated on September 10, 2024

Fluconazole is an antifungal medication.

Fluconazole

Summary

Used For: Fungal infections central nervous system and urinary tract: yeast infections of the skin & ringworm

Brands: Diflucan®

Species:

Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, rodents, birds, and reptiles

Drug type: Antifungal

Prescription required: Yes

Pregnancy and lactation: Not recommended for use in pregnant or lactating animals.

Side effects: Most common side effects include decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.

General description

Fluconazole is an antifungal drug used to treat systemic fungal infections, such as histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, and cryptococcal meningitis. It is primarily used to treat fungal infections of the central nervous system and urinary tract, but can also be used to treat yeast infections of the skin, including ringworm (dermatophytosis). [Buy Fluconazole now on Petco.](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/brand/fluconazole) A prescription from your veterinarian may be needed to purchase.

Uses

Fluconazole is primarily used to treat systemic fungal infection, particularly infections of the central nervous system or urinary tract. It is also useful in the treatment of yeast infections of the skin and ringworm.

How it works

Fluconazole stops the growth of fungi that cause infections by interfering with the cell membranes of the fungus

Dosage

* Dogs: 5 – 10 milligrams per kilogram orally every 12 – 24 hours. * Cats:5 - 10 milligrams per kilogram orally every 12 hours. * Horses: Loading dose of 14 milligrams per kilogram orally followed by 5 milligrams per kilogram orally every 24 hours. * Rabbits, rodents, small mammals: 25 – 43 milligrams per kilogram slow IV every 12 hours. * Birds: 5 – 20 milligrams per kilogram orally every 24 – 48 hours. * Reptiles: 5 milligrams per kilogram orally once daily.

Forms

50, 100, 150, and 200 milligram tablets; 10 and 40 milligrams per milliliter oral suspensions; 2 milligrams per milliliter in 100 or 200 milliliter vials for injection.

Storage information & handling

Refrigerate oral suspension. Store other forms at room temperature in a tightly closed, childproof container, protected from moisture.

What results can I expect?

Resolution of the fungal infection.

Missed Dosage

It is best to give the medication at the same time every day without skipping doses. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.

Overdose / acute toxicity

The most common signs of an overdose include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice. If you think your pet has had an overdose seek veterinarian care immediately.

Side effects

* Lethargy * Decreased appetite * Vomiting * Diarrhea * Jaundice * Weakness

Contraindications

* Previous sensitivity * Liver disease * Use cautiously in animals with kidney disease * Avoid use in pregnant or lactating animals

Drug interactions

Consult your veterinarian before using fluconazole with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements. Amphotericin B, benzodiazepines, buspirone, cimetidine, cisapride, colchicine, corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, diuretics, thiazides, fentanyl/alfentanil, losartan, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. Previcox®, Deramaxx®, Rimadyl®, Galliprant®, etc.), quinidine, rifampin, theophylline/aminophylline, tricyclic antidepressants (clomipramine, amitriptyline, etc.), sulfonylurea antidiabetic agents (glipizide, glyburide), vincristine, vinblastine, and warfarin may interact with fluconazole.

Precaution

Side effects are generally mild and infrequent, but caution should be exercised in animals with kidney disease. Avoid the use of fluconazole in animals with liver disease or in pregnant or lactating animals.

Sources

Plumb's Veterinary Handbook

Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary (Sixth Edition), W.B. Saunders, 2023

 

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.