Itraconazole
Also known as: Sporanox, Intrafungol, Itrafungol
> **Important Administration Instructions:** * **Capsules:** Must be given **with food** to ensure proper absorption. For cats and small dogs, capsules can be opened and the pellets mixed with a small amount of tasty food (e.g., butter, cheese, canned diet). * **Liquid Solution:** Should ideally be given on an **empty stomach** in mammals. **What to Watch For:** * **Loss of appetite** is often the very first sign that the medication is affecting the liver. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet stops eating, starts vomiting, or if you notice a yellowing of the eyes/gums (jaundice). * In dogs, watch for unexplained skin sores or swelling of the legs. **Safety Warnings:** * **Do not use compounded bulk powder** versions of this drug. They are poorly absorbed and can lead to treatment failure, which is dangerous for serious fungal infections. * Do not give with any other medications (especially antacids) without your veterinarian's approval.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Histoplasmosis
- Cryptococcosis
- Blastomycosis
- Coccidiomycosis
- Sporotrichosis
- Cryptococcosis (mild to moderate, no CNS involvement)
- Coccidioidomycosis
- Generalized dermatophytosis (Microsporum canis)
- Generalized dermatophytosis (Alternative)
- Dermatophyte granuloma
- Dermatophytosis (Pulse therapy)
- General use (fungal infections)
- Dermatophytosis (Microsporum canis)
- Guttural pouch mycosis, mycotic rhinitis or osteomyelitis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Anorexia (most common in dogs)
- Hepatotoxicity (increased ALT, jaundice)
- Ulcerative skin lesions/vasculitis (dogs at high doses)
- Limb edema (dogs at high doses)
- Erythema multiforme (rare)
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis (rare)
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Depression (especially in cats and African grey parrots)
- Diarrhoea
- Anorexia
- Salivation
- Depression and apathy
- Abdominal pain
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to itraconazole or other azole antifungals
- Hepatic impairment (relative contraindication)
- Achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria (relative contraindication)
- Reduced cardiac function (relative, due to potential negative inotropic effects)
- Pregnancy
- Liver disease (avoid use if present)
- Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, achlorhydria, or reduced cardiac function (due to potential negative inotropic effects). African grey parrots are extremely sensitive to itraconazole and can develop severe anorexia and depression; reduced dosages or alternative antifungals are recommended. **Do not use compounded capsules from bulk powders**, as they may not yield an absorbable dosage form, leading to treatment failure in life-threatening infections. Safety during pregnancy is not established (teratogenic and embryotoxic in lab animals at high doses).
Drug interactions
- Amphotericin B: May be antagonistic against Aspergillus or Candida; clinical importance unclear.
- Antacids: May reduce oral absorption of itraconazole; administer itraconazole at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids.
- Benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam, midazolam, triazolam): Itraconazole may increase benzodiazepine levels.
- Buspirone: Plasma concentrations may be elevated.
- Busulfan: Itraconazole may increase levels.
- Calcium-channel blockers (amlodipine, verapamil): Itraconazole may increase levels.
- Cisapride: Increased cisapride levels and possibility for toxicity; concurrent use contraindicated in humans.
- Clomipramine: May decrease metabolism and increase clomipramine levels.
- Corticosteroids: May inhibit the metabolism of corticosteroids; potential for increased adverse effects.
- Cyclophosphamide: May inhibit metabolism of cyclophosphamide and its metabolites; potential for increased toxicity.
Frequently asked questions
What is Itraconazole used for in pets?
> **Important Administration Instructions:** * **Capsules:** Must be given **with food** to ensure proper absorption. For cats and small dogs, capsules can be opened and the pellets mixed with a small amount of tasty food (e.g., butter, cheese, canned diet). * **Liquid Solution:** Should ideally be given on an **empty stomach** in mammals. **What to Watch For:** * **Loss of appetite** is often the very first sign that the medication is affecting the liver. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet stops eating, starts vomiting, or if you notice a yellowing of the eyes/gums (jaundice). * In dogs, watch for unexplained skin sores or swelling of the legs. **Safety Warnings:** * **Do not use compounded bulk powder** versions of this drug. They are poorly absorbed and can lead to treatment failure, which is dangerous for serious fungal infections. * Do not give with any other medications (especially antacids) without your veterinarian's approval.
Is Itraconazole safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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