Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine in tablet form that is used to treat a variety fungal infections, including yeast infections. It is typically used to treat skin infections, and more intense fungal infections of the lungs and other organs that can occur after your pet inhales fungus from infected soil. Fluconazole is often used in pets who have been unable to tolerate other types of antifungal medication. It is also used for difficult-to-treat fungal infections, such as those that have spread to internal organs. Fluconazole requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.
For: Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
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Treats a variety of internal and external fungal infections
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Treats serious fungal infections of the central nervous system (CNS) more effectively than many other antifungals
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Has fewer side effects than most other antifungals
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Is effective against ringworm
How it works:
Fluconazole is related to ketoconazole, but it is more successful in treating infections of the central nervous system (CNS) because it more effectively crosses the blood-brain barrier, allowing the medication to find its way to the infected areas of the body. When your pet takes fluconazole, the active ingredient within the medicine kills the fungus that causes infections by interfering with the cell membranes of the fungus. This inhibits growth of the fungus, which keeps the fungal cells from reproducing, and eventually eradicates the infection.
Cautions:
Fluconazole can interact with many other drugs. It is important to tell your veterinarian about any other medications, vitamins, or supplements your pet is taking before giving fluconazole to your pet. Do not give to pets who have liver disease or impairment. If your pet has kidney disease or kidney failure, discuss the risks versus benefits with your veterinarian before giving fluconazole. Do not give to pregnant animals or animals that are nursing unless your veterinarian says the benefits outweigh the risks. Do not give fluconazole to any pets who are sensitive or allergic to other "azole" antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole. If you have any concerns about this medication, talk with your veterinarian before giving it to your pet.
More Information:
Brand Name Diflucan (Pfizer)
Generic Name fluconazole
What is the most important information I should know about fluconazole: Fluconazole is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs and cats. The usual dose of fluconazole in dogs can vary from 5.5mg to 22mg per pound every 12 to 24 hours, depending on the condition being treated. The usual dose in cats is typically 50 mg once a day. The actual dose and duration of treatment depends on the specific condition being treated. Fluconazole should be given to your pet for the entire length of time prescribed by your veterinarian. Treatment with fluconazole may take several months and improvement may not be seen for one or two weeks after treatment begins.
What is Fluconazole: Fluconazole is an antifungal used to treat systemic fungal infections such as cryptococcal meningitis, blastomycosis, and histpolasmosis. Fluconazole may also be used in treating fungal infections of the skin such as superficial candidiasis, or ringworm. Fluconazole may be used for other purposes than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving fluconazole to my pet: Do not give this medication if your pet is allergic to fluconazole or other azole antifungal agents. Do not use fluconazole if your pet is pregnant unless the benefit outweighs the risk. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is allergic to any medications, or if your pet has liver disease or kidney disease.
How should this medication be given: Give fluconazole exactly as it was prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not give in larger amounts or use it for longer than recommended by your veterinarian. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. If you do not understand these directions speak to your pharmacist or veterinarian. Your veterinarian may want to perform blood tests on a regular basis to make sure the medication is not causing harmful effects. Store fluconazole at controlled room temperature 68°-77° F.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and give the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication. Symptoms of overdose may include loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice, depression, tiredness, anemia, or a skin rash.
What should I avoid while giving Fluconazole: Do not use fluconazole in animals with liver disease. Use with caution in animal's with kidney disease. Do not use in pregnant animals unless the benefit outweighs the risk.
What are the possible side effects of Fluconazole: Seek emergency veterinary medical attention if your pet experiences any signs of an allergic reaction (hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat). Talk to your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops any of these side effects: jaundice, loss of appetite, vomiting, depression, tiredness, anemia, skin rash. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome to your pet.
What other medications will affect Fluconazole: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is using any of the following medications: Buspirone, cisapride, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, thiazide diuretics (Dyazide, Diuril), NSAIDS (Rimadyl, Novox), theophylline/aminophylline, tricyclic antidepressants (clomipramine, Clomicalm, amitriptylline), sulfonylurea antidiabetics (glipizide, glyburide), warfarin (Coumadin). There may be other drugs not listed that can affect fluconazole. Tell your veterinarian about all prescription and non-prescription (OTC) medications, including vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other veterinarians. Do not start using a new medication without telling your veterinarian.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has information about Fluconazole written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
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Give fluconazole to your pet with food and always make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water to drink while taking this medication.
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Do not give fluconazole within 2 hours of giving antacids because it could affect the dosage your pet receives.
Tip: You may not notice a visible improvement until you've been treating your pet for 1 to 2 weeks, and you may need to treat your pet with fluconazole for several months. Make sure you continue giving the prescription to your pet until the end of the treatment regimen unless your veterinarian specifically directs you to discontinue giving fluconazole. Your pet may feel better, and you may notice an improvement in visible fungal infections before the treatment has ended, but it's important to complete the treatment to prevent a relapse and to prevent the possibility of future resistance to fluconazole or other antifungal medications.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs/Cats:
All weights
Dosage and how frequently you will need to administer the medication depends upon the particular infection being treated. Follow your veterinarian's instructions.
Horses:
Storage: Store this product at room temperature in child-proof containers. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Fluconazole:
Active Ingredients
Amount
Fluconazole
100 mg
Fluconazole
5
5
1
1
Works great
My 8 mth old puppy has food allergy and developed a secondary yeast infection. Worked great on clearing it right up! Great price too!!!!
09/12/2011
Gary _ yes, my vet gave me an Rx for ringworm. The Rx (which I have not acted on yet) says "Fluconazole 10mg/ml ....1.8ml POSID....#108ml" anyway - PetMeds can fill this exactly as stated after mail or fax the Rx? Can you email me the approx cost for this? thanks!
You are saying your veterinarian gave you a prescription for fluconazole to treat ringworm infection? We can compound fluconazole into a liquid containing 50mg in each ml. We can also compound fluconazole into chewable tablets 50mg per tablet. I certainly don't want to counter your veterinarian's treatment plan, but ringworm is often easily treated using a non-prescription antifungal product such as clotrimazole cream. This would be applied 2 times a day for 14 days to the ringworm site. Perhaps your pet has more than just a simple ringworm infection.
why would I have to give my Pomeranian this med for the rest of his life. He is 7. He hates this med. When he is on it all the time he just sleeps & acts as if he does not feel well. He is a completely different person w/out it. He has no signs of skin infection at all anymore. No itching, nothing? SkinsationsMarla@comcast.net
I believe your question is about fluconazole, not Temaril-P. Either way, this is a question you would need to ask your veterinarian. Only he/she would be able to tell you why it's necessary to still give this medication even though it appears there is no longer an infection.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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