Medication: Itraconazole

Your cat has been prescribed itraconazole for the treatment of a fungal infection.

Key points: 
• Antifungal.
• Contraindicated for use in pregnant animals.
• Should not be handled by pregnant women.
• Avoid compounded oral liquids of itraconazole as they may not be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Itraconazole has many potential drug interactions.
• Dosage: given orally once daily. 

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.

Name

• Itraconazole (ih-trah-con-aih-zole).

Brand name

• Itrafungol 10mg/ml Oral Solution (cat drug).
• Sporanox® 100 mg Oral Capsules and 10 mg/mL Oral Solution (human drugs).

Class of medication

• Anti-fungal.

Storage

• Store capsules at room temperature.
• Store oral solution (cat drug) suspension in a refrigerator for up to one month.
• Store oral solutions (human drug) at room temperature. Do not freeze.

Your veterinarian has prescribed itraconazole for the treatment of a fungal infection, such as:

• Aspergillosis.
• Candidiasis.
• Blastomycosis.
• Coccidiomycosis.
• Cryptococcosis.
• Histoplasmosis.
• Ringworm (dermatophytosis).

Itraconazole is given orally (as capsules or a liquid). It is administered once daily.

Capsules should be administered with food. Liquid preparations are usually best administered on an empty stomach. Liquid suspensions should be shaken well before administration. Your veterinarian will advise you accordingly.

Itraconazole should not be used in pregnant animals. Itraconazole passes into the milk and should only be used in nursing queens if benefit outweighs risk to the puppies.

Anorexia (reduced appetite), nausea and abdominal pain are possible side-effects of itraconazole and should be reported to your veterinarian. Your pet may be able to continue with the drug if side-effects are mild, but it is best to let your veterinarian know as soon as possible, so that they can decide whether additional medications or different medications are required.

Itraconazole has rarely caused severe toxic skin reactions in cats. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat develops any unusual rashes or itching while receiving itraconazole.

Itraconazole should not be used in animals that have previously had an allergic reaction to itraconazole.

This medication should be used cautiously in animals with liver disease or heart disease as it can cause arrhythmias (irregular heart beat).

Itraconazole interacts with many other drugs. Tell your veterinarian about any medications or supplements that your cat is receiving at home. Antacid medications may decrease the effectiveness of itraconazole. Cefovecin must not be used with itraconazole.

Itraconazole should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. The treatment course may extend for 4 to 20 weeks or longer. Length of treatment will depend on skin swab culture results.  

Dispose of any unused itraconazole safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save itraconazole for future use or give to other pets.

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period. 

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Itraconazole should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.

If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

Your veterinarian will need to regularly check your pet during treatment, including repeated skin swabs for fungal culture. Your veterinarian may request blood and urine tests during treatment.

Further information 

If you have any concerns, further information on itraconazole can be found on the package insert.

Europe & UK

• Virbac Ltd (UK) Itrafungol 10mg/ml Oral Solution for cats. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-480446&fromsearch=true#iosfirsthighlight 

US

• Virbac (US) Itrafungol™ 10 mg/ml Oral Solution for cats.Website: vet-us.virbac.com/itrafungol.

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.