07/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/16/2024 09:55
Key takeaways:
Fluconazole (Diflucan) is a medication that is used to treat several different types of fungal infections in cats, including fungal infections in the brain.
Fluconazole doesn't usually cause negative side effects in cats, but it can cause loss of appetite.
Fluconazole interacts with several medications, so let your veterinarian know about any medications your cat takes before they are prescribed fluconazole.
Fluconazole (Diflucan) is a medication that's used to treat fungal infections in cats. It's often a first-choice medication to treat fungal infections, such as ringworm and cryptococcus, that have spread throughout a cat's body and skin.
Fluconazole is generally safe and well tolerated by most cats. And it can be very effective. Here's what you need to know if your cat is prescribed this fluconazole.
Common names |
Fluconazole (Diflucan) |
What it treats |
Fungal infections |
How it comes (forms) |
Tablets, liquid suspension, injection |
Common side effects |
Appetite loss |
Average cost |
Fluconazole is used to treat fungal infections in many species of animals, including cats. It's part of a class of medications called azole antifungals. Azole antifungals treat a wide range of fungi, and they are named for their chemical structure.
Fluconazole eliminates fungal infections in cats by damaging the cell membrane of fungal cells, causing the cells to die. This medication is often prescribed to cats with infections that have spread all over their body, including:
Fluconazole is also effective against skin, ear, and nail-bed yeast infections.
Fluconazole is only FDA approved for use in humans, but it is commonly used in cats off-label. If your cat's infection is being caused by a fungus that fluconazole is effective against, your veterinarian may prescribe them the medication. And in some cases, veterinarians prescribe both oral and topical forms of fluconazole to treat an infection.
Your veterinarian will determine the best approach for treating your cat's infection based on the cause and other factors.
Fluconazole for cats comes in tablets and a compounded liquid suspension that you give by mouth. An injectable form is also available, but it is only used in veterinary clinics.
The typical dosage of fluconazole for cats is 50 mg given by mouth once a day. However, your veterinarian may prescribed your cat a different dosage based on:
Your cat's weight
If they have any other health conditions
The type of infection being treated
If they take other medications
Follow your veterinarian's instructions for giving your cat fluconazole closely. It is important to finish the entire prescribed course of fluconazole to completely eradicate the fungal infection. Even if your cat seems to be feeling better, finish giving them the prescribed course.
Both the tablets and the oral liquid can be given with or without food. But giving your cat fluconazole with a treat or meal can help prevent vomiting or loss of appetite.
It can take weeks to see the full effects of fluconazole. But you should start to see small improvements in your cat after a few days of giving them the medication.
Fluconazole is generally safe and well tolerated by most cats. However, it can cause loss of appetite. Other potential mild side effects include:
Vomiting
Loose stool
Skin rash
If your cat experiences any side effects while taking fluconazole, call your veterinarian for advice.
The most serious side effect of fluconazole in cats is liver irritation. Liver irritation related to fluconazole is rare. But when it does occur, it can cause the following symptoms:
Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Low energy
If your cat experiences these side effects, stop giving them fluconazole and call your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary clinic, or a pet poison hotline immediately.
Fluconazole should be used with caution in cats that have liver or kidney dysfunction. The medication may also take longer to work in cats with kidney or liver disease.
Fluconazole can interact with several medications, including:
Warfarin
Antidepressants
Antianxiety medications
Fluconazole should also be used with caution in cats that take any of the following medications:
Amphotericin B
Benzodiazepines
Cimetidine
Cisapride
Corticosteroids like prednisolone
Cyclophosphamide
Cyclosporine
Thiazide diuretics
Pain medications, including NSAIDs and opioids
Chemotherapy medications
Rifampin
Bronchodilators such as theophylline or aminophylline
If you forget to give your cat a dose of fluconazole, give them the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, resume their regular medication schedule the next day. However, do not give your cat two doses of fluconazole closer than 12 hours apart. And never give them two doses at the same time.
Fluconazole (Diflucan) is an antifungal medication that's used to treat many types of fungal infections in cats. It is generally safe and effective for most cats. And the side effects, such as loss of appetite, are typically mild.
Fluconazole is known to interact with several other medications, so let your veterinarian know about any other medications your cat takes. It's important to give your cat the full prescribed course of fluconazole - even if they seem to be feeling better - in order to completely treat their fungal infection.
Brooks, W. (2023). Fluconazole (Diflucan). Veterinary Partner.
Cornell Feline Health Center. (2021). Blastomycosis.
Cornell Feline Health Center. (2021). Cryptococcosis.
Cornell Feline Health Center. (2021). Histoplasmosis.
Mercer, M. A. (2022). Azoles for use in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Valley Fever Center for Excellence. (n.d.). Valley fever in cats. University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson.
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