Home/Medicines/Fluconazole
All medicines

Fluconazole

Prescription
Triazole antifungal
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
3 documented
Formulations
4

Mechanism of action

Inhibits fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, blocking ergosterol synthesis and disrupting fungal cell membrane integrity

At a glance

Class
Triazole antifungal
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 30°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Systemic fungal infections (Blastomycosis, Coccidioidomycosis, Cryptococcosis)
Dose
5–10 mg/kg
Route
PO, IV
Frequency
SID to BID
Max dose
400 mg
Duration: 6–12 months or until antigen negative
🐈

Cat

Cryptococcosis / Dermatophytosis
Dose
5–15 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID to BID
Max dose
100 mg/dose; 200 mg/day
Duration: 6–12 months for systemic mycoses; 6–8 weeks for dermatophytosis

Formulations

💊

Capsule — 3

Strength
50mg
Available in India
Strength
150mg
Available in India
Strength
200mg
Available in India
💉

Injection — 1

Strength
2mg/mL
Available in India

Storage

Store below 30°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Known azole hypersensitivity

Use with caution

  • Hepatic disease
    Monitor closely
  • Pregnancy
    Teratogenic potential

Adverse effects

Common
Anorexia
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Serious
Hepatotoxicity
Skin eruptions
Vasculitis (cats, rare)

Monitoring parameters

Hepatic enzymes (ALT, ALP) monthlyFungal antigen titersClinical response

Interactions

Major — 1

Warfarin
major
Fluconazole inhibits CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, significantly increasing warfarin levels and hemorrhage risk.
Management: Reduce warfarin dose by 25-50%. Monitor PT/INR every 2-3 days. Consider alternative antifungal.

Moderate — 2

Cyclosporine
moderate
Fluconazole inhibits CYP3A4/2C9, increasing cyclosporine levels
Management: Monitor cyclosporine levels and renal function.
Cyclosporine (Systemic)
moderate
Fluconazole inhibits CYP3A4 (less potent than ketoconazole/itraconazole), increasing cyclosporine levels ~50%.
Management: Monitor cyclosporine levels. May need modest dose reduction.

Brands

International

Diflucan
Pfizer

India

Flucos
Cipla
Zocon
Sun Pharma

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Fluconazole?
Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal used in pets. Inhibits fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, blocking ergosterol synthesis and disrupting fungal cell membrane integrity
›What is Fluconazole used for in pets?
Fluconazole is used in veterinary medicine for: Systemic fungal infections (Blastomycosis, Coccidioidomycosis, Cryptococcosis); Cryptococcosis / Dermatophytosis.
›What is the Fluconazole dose for dogs?
For dogs, Fluconazole is typically dosed as follows — Systemic fungal infections (Blastomycosis, Coccidioidomycosis, Cryptococcosis): 5–10 mg/kg PO/IV SID to BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Fluconazole dose for cats?
For cats, Fluconazole is typically dosed as follows — Cryptococcosis / Dermatophytosis: 5–15 mg/kg PO SID to BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Fluconazole?
Common: Anorexia, Vomiting, Diarrhoea. Serious (call your vet immediately): Hepatotoxicity, Skin eruptions, Vasculitis (cats, rare).
›Does Fluconazole need a prescription?
Yes. Fluconazole is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Fluconazole not be used?
Do not use Fluconazole if: Known azole hypersensitivity.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Triazole antifungal).

Itraconazole
Rx
Inhibits lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51), blocking ergosterol synthesis; more lipophilic than fluconazole with better tissue penetration, especially skin and nails
dogcat