Fluconazole
Fluconazole is used in veterinary medicine for susceptible systemic fungal infection.
Group
Triazole antifungal
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits fungal ergosterol synthesis; penetrates CNS and urine relatively well.
Dose Rates
Dog
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fungal infection | 5 mg/kg | PO, IV | Every 12 h | |
| Refractory fungal infection | 10 mg/kg | PO, IV | Every 12 h | |
| Malassezia dermatitis | 5 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | |
| Blastomycosis | 5 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | Up to 60 days |
Cat
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fungal infection | 50 mg/animal | PO | Every 24 h | |
| Refractory fungal infection | 50 mg/animal | PO | Every 12 h | |
| Refractory fungal infection | 10 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | Weight-based alternative to fixed 50 mg doses. |
Horse
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fungal infection | 5 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h |
Rabbit
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systemic fungal infection | 25–43 mg/kg | IV | Every 12 h | Slow administration. |
Bird
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidiasis | 20 mg/kg | PO | Every 24–48 h | PK-based proposal in Goffin cockatoos, Timneh African greys and orange-winged Amazons; less-susceptible Candida species may not respond. |
| Candidiasis | 10 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h | PK-based alternative for susceptible C. albicans. |
| Aspergillosis adjunct | 5–10 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h | Up to 42 days; Alternative with or after amphotericin B. |
Indications
- Susceptible systemic fungal infection
- Cryptococcosis
- Fungal urinary infection
- Malassezia dermatitis
Contraindications
- Use cautiously in pregnancy.
Interactions
- May raise cyclosporine and other CYP-metabolized drug concentrations; anesthetic recovery may be prolonged.
Adverse effects
- Hepatic enzyme elevations and hepatopathy
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluconazole 50 mg | Tablet | 50 mg / tablet | PO |
| Fluconazole 100 mg | Tablet | 100 mg / tablet | PO |
| Fluconazole 150 mg | Tablet | 150 mg / tablet | PO |
| Fluconazole 200 mg | Tablet | 200 mg / tablet | PO |
| Fluconazole oral suspension 10 mg/mL | Oral Liquid | 10 mg / mL | PO |
| Fluconazole oral suspension 40 mg/mL | Oral Liquid | 40 mg / mL | PO |
| Fluconazole IV solution 2 mg/mL | Injection | 2 mg / mL | IV |
Monitoring and Administration
Monitor liver enzymes and clinical response. Activity against Aspergillus and other molds is poor.
Oral absorption is relatively reliable without food. Reconstituted commercial suspension generally has a 14-day use period; compounded concentration accuracy can vary.
Canine blastomycosis dose is listed as 10 mg/kg/day without an explicit route in that entry; retained here rather than assigning an unconfirmed route.
The avian drinking-water concentration is printed as 100 mg/mL in the additional text and is inconsistent with ordinary drinking-water dosing; it is not a usable mixing instruction.