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Itraconazole in Veterinary Medicine-Facts and Information

Itraconazole

Updated on September 10, 2024

Triazole antifungal medication used to treat many skin and systemic fungal infections in dogs and cats.

Itraconazole

Summary

Used For: Skin and systemic fungal infections

Brands: Sporanox, Intrafungol, Onmel

Species: Dogs and cats

Other names: Itraconazolum, Oriconazole, R-51211

Drug type: Antifungal

Prescription required: Yes

Pregnancy and lactation: Not safe at high doses, use only when benefits outweigh risks

Side effects: Vomiting, loss of appetite, liver toxicity, skin lesions

General description

Itraconazole is a triazole antifungal medication used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of skin and systemic fungal infections.

Uses

Skin and systemic fungal infections, such as dermatophytosis (ringworm), aspergillosis, cryptococcal meningitis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, sporotrichosis, histoplasmosis

How it works

Itraconazole alters the cell membranes of susceptible fungal organisms.

Dosage

**Dogs and Cats**: 5-10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by mouth once daily or divided every 12 hours. Some infections may require dosages of 10-15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by mouth once daily. Dosages of 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day and up are associated with a higher risk of adverse effects.

Forms

Itraconazole is available in an oral liquid in 10 milligrams per milliliter, 100 milligram capsules and 100 milligram tablets.

Storage information & handling

Itraconazole should be stored at room temperature and protected from light and moisture.

What results can I expect?

Fungal infections often require prolonged treatment. Pet parents can expect gradual improvement in their pet’s infection. Side effects are common, especially when higher doses are used.

Missed Dosage

If a dose is missed, continue with the next dosage at the scheduled time.

Overdose / acute toxicity

There is limited information available regarding the acute toxicity of itraconazole. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has received an overdose of itraconazole.

Side effects

**Dogs:** * Decreased or absent appetite * Liver toxicity (jaundice, etc.) * Vasculitis * Skin lesions (rarely erythema multiforme or toxic epidermal necrolysis) * Limb edema **Cats**: * Gastrointestinal effects (vomiting, decreased or absent appetite, weight loss) * Liver toxicity (jaundice, etc.) * Depression

Contraindications

Avoid use in pets with: * Known hypersensitivity * Liver or kidney impairment * Achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria (absent or low hydrochloric acid in stomach secretions)

Drug interactions

Itraconazole interacts with many drugs. Do not give any other medications without consulting your veterinarian. Itraconazole interacts with: * Amphotericin B * Antacids * Benzodiazepines * Buspirone * Busulfan * Calcium-channel blockers * Cisapride * Colchicine * Corticosteroids * Cyclophosphamide * Cyclosporine * Digoxin * Disopyramide * Ergot alkaloids * Fentanyl * H2 blockers * Ivermectin * Macrolide antibiotics * Methadone * Midazolam * Phenobarbital * Phenytoin * Proton-pump inhibitors * Quinidine * Rifampin * Simvastatin * Sulfonylurea antidiabetic drugs * Tricyclic antidepressants * Vincristine * Vinblastine * Warfarin

Precaution

Use with caution in patients with decreased heart function.

Sources

*Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook*

Related Questions

Hi! My cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. He’s taking insulin and taking antibiotics for a Uti. It’s been 4 weeks and he wobles when he’s walking. He can’t jump up on the bed like he used to.He’s blood sugar is 250 it’s better than it used to. I don’t understand why he’s so wobbly.

Cats can develop what's called diabetic neuropathy, where their hindlegs become progressively weak. The best thing to do is try to get his diabetes under control as quickly as possible. Here is a link describing the conditon: http://www.diabeticcatcare.com/DCCCOK/Neuropathy.htm

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Is there a reason you want to stop the prednisone? I would recommend not stopping it and if you feel it is better to stop the prednisone then I would recommend weaning off of the prednisone. I would discuss how to wean the prednisone with your veterinarian. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

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In severe outbreaks, 2 weeks between different drugs is ok. You will also need to use a household flea treatment in order to break the cycle, only 5% of the flea population are adults and actually present on pets, tge remaining 95% are eggs/large and will continue to hatch, develop and reinvest your pets. All in contact animals should be treated together and also given a tapeworm treatment because tapeworms are also transmitted by fleas

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My 8yo Golden had a falsepregnancy w milk. Cabergoline has resolved it now. I hear conflicting opinions about spaying. She has never mated. Some say not spaying would cause pseudopregnancy recurrence+dangerous conditions like Mammary T. But UCDavis studies say spaying increases other aggressive cancer risks among GoldenRs. Also, vet thinks that her anemia that keeps coming back after prednisolone trtmnts *might* be due to Ovary cysts, suggests spaying. What's the right approach for her health?

Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Lav. I've heard many owners quote the UC Davis study, and there are a number of things wrong with the study. Check out this article on it: https://humanepro.org/magazine/articles/deconstructing-spayneuter-debate Not spaying her can cause a pseudopregnancy reoccurrence, but it doesn't increase her risk of mammary tumors. That's already going to be 25% because she's had more than two heats. Keep in mind, 50% of mammary tumors in dogs are malignant. She is eight years old, so she is already at a higher risk of developing cancer simply because she is an older dog. She is also at risk of a pyometra, which is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment. The treatment for a pyometra is spaying the dog, which is an emergency during a pyometra and can cost many thousands of dollars. In all honesty, it's best to spay her. It will keep her from developing a pyometra as well as a pseudopregnancy, and it will keep her from getting pregnant if she accidentally mates. Dogs over the age of six should never have puppies. In my opinion, it's best for her to health to get spayed asap. I hope this helps!

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My cat was prescribed antibiotics for diarrhea and today was his second day of taking them. He’s required to take 0.5 mL of the antibiotic and another one after 12 hours (twice a day). Today, he lost his appetite (only ate a few treats) and threw up clear liquid twice and clear yellow liquid 3 times. He is also lethargic.

Hello, thank you for using Boop by Petco. I'm sorry to hear that Leo is having this problem. Many antibiotics cause gastrointestinal issues in cats so you will need to call your vet and let them know what is going on. Most likely they will have you stop one or both of the antibiotics and prescribe something different. I would also suggest that you put him on a pre/probiotic while he is taking antibiotics and then continue for at least one week after the antibiotics have been stopped. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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I was advised by my daughter's dog trainer to contact a vet about my Yorkie's anxiety. She is 7 yo and 12 lbs. She started off scared of some fireworks in the neighborhood. Now it has progressed to even heavy rain. She keeps us up during storms because s she's so afraid and we can't console her. The trainer said a vet could try her on some trazadone. How can I get help with this?

Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Ellie. I'm sorry she's having trouble with anxiety! Yes medications can help with anxiety, but she would need to see a vet in person to get the medication. We cannot provide a prescription for it from the site without seeing her in person; it's illegal, and against the user terms of the site. I recommend contacting her vet to make her an appointment to discuss the use of medication. A thundershirt may also help in conjunction with medication. You can buy them online, I also recommend looking at one of those. A tip to keep in mind when she is afraid is not to console her. It's natural to want to do that, but it actually reinforces the behavior. By consoling her, you are telling her it's ok to act this way. I hope this helps!

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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.