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Fluconazole

Prescription

Triazole antifungal

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

3 documented

Formulations

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

Frequency

SID to BID

Max dose

100 mg/dose; 200 mg/day

Duration: 6–12 months for systemic mycoses; 6–8 weeks for dermatophytosis

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 →

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

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Triazole antifungal).

Itraconazole

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

dogcat