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Itraconazole

Prescription

Triazole antifungal

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

4 available

Interactions

7 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

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

At a glance

Class

Triazole antifungal

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light and moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Blastomycosis / Histoplasmosis / Aspergillosis / Dermatophytosis

Dose

5–10 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

SID to BID

Max dose

400 mg

Duration: 4–6 months for systemic mycoses; 4–6 weeks for dermatophytosis

🐈

Cat

Dermatophytosis / Sporotrichosis / Cryptococcosis

Dose

5–10 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

SID

Max dose

50 mg/dose; 100 mg/day

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

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 — 2

Strength

100mg

Available in India

Strength

200mg

Available in India

🧴

Oral solution — 1

Strength

10mg/mL

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light and moisture

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Known azole hypersensitivity
Concurrent cisapride
Risk of QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias
Cisapride

Use with caution

Hepatic disease
Significant hepatic metabolism
Concurrent cyclosporine
Increases cyclosporine levels significantly

Adverse effects

Common

Anorexia

Vomiting

Hepatic enzyme elevation

Serious

Hepatotoxicity

Ulcerative skin lesions (cats)

Limb edema (dogs, vasculitis)

Monitoring parameters

Hepatic enzymes (ALT, ALP) every 2–4 weeks initiallyBile acidsSerum drug levels if availableClinical response

Educational reference only

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Cisapride

contraindicated

Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of cisapride, causing QT prolongation and potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias.

Management: NEVER combine. Use metoclopramide as alternative prokinetic.

Major — 4

Rifampicin

major

Rifampicin induces CYP3A4, reducing itraconazole levels by 70-90%. Renders antifungal therapy ineffective.

Management: Do not combine. Choose one: treat mycobacterial infection OR fungal infection sequentially, not concurrently.

Budesonide

major

Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4, greatly increasing systemic budesonide levels (defeats the purpose of using budesonide for its local GI effect with low systemic exposure).

Management: Avoid. Systemic steroid effects will occur. Use prednisolone instead (already systemic) if azole antifungal must be concurrent.

Alfentanil

major

Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4, significantly prolonging alfentanil effect and increasing respiratory depression risk.

Management: Reduce alfentanil dose. Monitor respiratory function. Have naloxone available.

Domperidone

major

Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4, increasing domperidone levels and QT prolongation risk.

Management: Avoid. Use alternative prokinetic.

Moderate — 2

Cyclosporine

moderate

Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4, increasing cyclosporine blood levels

Management: Reduce cyclosporine dose when used together. Monitor for nephrotoxicity.

Cyclosporine (Systemic)

moderate

Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, increasing cyclosporine levels (similar to ketoconazole but less potent).

Management: Reduce cyclosporine dose by 25-50%. Monitor cyclosporine trough levels.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Sporanox

Janssen

India

Itaspor

Cipla

Candiforce

Mankind

Itravet

Virbac India

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Itraconazole?

Itraconazole is a triazole antifungal used in pets. Inhibits lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51), blocking ergosterol synthesis; more lipophilic than fluconazole with better tissue penetration, especially skin and nails

›What is Itraconazole used for in pets?

Itraconazole is used in veterinary medicine for: Blastomycosis / Histoplasmosis / Aspergillosis / Dermatophytosis; Dermatophytosis / Sporotrichosis / Cryptococcosis.

›What is the Itraconazole dose for dogs?

For dogs, Itraconazole is typically dosed as follows — Blastomycosis / Histoplasmosis / Aspergillosis / Dermatophytosis: 5–10 mg/kg PO SID to BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Itraconazole dose for cats?

For cats, Itraconazole is typically dosed as follows — Dermatophytosis / Sporotrichosis / Cryptococcosis: 5–10 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Itraconazole?

Common: Anorexia, Vomiting, Hepatic enzyme elevation. Serious (call your vet immediately): Hepatotoxicity, Ulcerative skin lesions (cats), Limb edema (dogs, vasculitis).

›Does Itraconazole need a prescription?

Yes. Itraconazole is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

›When should Itraconazole not be used?

Do not use Itraconazole if: Known azole hypersensitivity; Concurrent cisapride.

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).

Fluconazole

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

dogcat