Itraconazole

Major Uses

Itraconazole is a synthetic oral triazole antifungal drug that is most often used for treating systemic mycoses, such as aspergillosis, cryptococcal meningitis, blastomycosis, and histoplasmosis. It has also proven useful in treating superficial candidiasis and dermatophytosis. Intraconazole can also be used to treat sporotrichosis and coccidioides immitis osteomyelitis in horses.

Common Precautions

Itraconazole should be used cautiously in patients suffering from hepatic impairment or achlorhydira. Caution should also be exercised when using on patients with reduced cardiac function. When being used on African grey parrots, patients can suffer from anorexia and depression, as this species has proven incredibly sensitive to the drug.

The most common side effects associated with itraconazole are anorexia and hepatic toxicity. Other, less common, side effects can include the development of ulcerative skin lesions/vasculitis and limb edema, GI effects, and depression.

Itraconazole should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if an overdose is suspected.

Storage

Itraconazole should be kept at room temperature in a light resistant, tightly sealed container. It should be protected from light, moisture, and freezing, and should be stored out of reach from children and pets.

Administration

For treating systemic mycoses in dogs, a typical dose of itraconazole is 5-10 mg/kg once to twice daily for up to 6 months. For treating susceptible systemic mycoses in cats, a typical dose can range from 5-100 mg once daily. A typical dose for horses is 5 mg/kg once a day. Should a scheduled dose be forgotten, it should be administered as soon as possible unless it is nearing time for the next scheduled dose. In this case, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular administration schedule continued. Two doses should not be administered at the same time, as an overdose may occur.

Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.