Itraconazole (Generic) Antifungal Capsules for Pets

Why has my veterinarian prescribed Itraconazole Capsules?

Itraconazole is an antifungal medication prescribed to treat your pet’s fungal infection. Your veterinarian may prescribe this medicine for other conditions.

How do I give Itraconazole Capsules?

First, READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

Give Itraconazole to your pet as directed by your veterinarian.

Give this medicine to your pet with food.

If Itraconazole is prescribed as a liquid, measure the dose carefully.

Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.

DO NOT give your pet more medicine than directed.

DO NOT give your pet medicine more often than prescribed.

Try not to miss giving any doses.

Generally, Itraconazole needs to be given to your pet over a long period of time. Plan ahead to ensure you have the refills you need.

If I miss a dose, what do I do?

If you miss a dose, give it to your pet as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, then continue with the regular dosing schedule. Do not give your pet two doses at once.

How do I store Itraconazole Capsules?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a dry, cool place. Keep this medicine away from heat and direct sunlight.

Do not store this medicine in damp places, in the bathroom, or near the kitchen sink. This medication can break down when exposed to moisture or heat.

What are the potential side effects of Itraconazole Capsules?

If while taking Itraconazole, your pet experiences some stomach upset, give this medicine with meals.

If symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite continue, contact your veterinarian.

If your dog develops skin lesions or swelling in the legs, contact your veterinarian.

Other side effects may occur, if you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

What about possible drug interactions?

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any other medications you are giving to your pet.

It’s not uncommon for your veterinarian to prescribe two different medications, which may cause a drug interaction to occur. If this happens, your veterinarian may change the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

Itraconazole may interact with the following medications: antacids, cimetidine, ranitidine, didanosine, warfarin, phenytoin, cisapride, rifampin, isoniazid, acyclovir, and cyclosporin.

The following medicines should not be given with Itraconazole: astemizole and terfenadine.

Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

Itraconazole (Rx)

Trade Names:

Sporanox®

General Description:

Itraconazole is an antifungal agent used in dogs and cats to treat fungal infections (ex. blastomycosis). Itraconazole is expensive but has fewer side effects than some other antifungal agents. Give itraconazole with a fatty meal to reduce stomach upset and increase absorption. This medication is available in capsules or as an oral solution.

What is this drug?

• Antifungal
• Given by mouth

Reasons for prescribing:

• Treatment of serious fungal infections, particularly blastomycosis
• Fewer side effects than other antifungal agents, although expensive

What dogs/cats should not take this medication?

• Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to itraconazole or like products before
• Pets with liver disease
• Pregnant or nursing animals

Directions:

Give medication with food.

Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. Depending upon the condition, this medication may be given once or twice daily. Your veterinarian may suggest tablets be given with a fatty food (ex. butter or cheese).

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. Missed doses reduce the effectiveness of therapy. Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.

Call ahead for refills. Long-term therapy (a few weeks to months) is usually necessary for successful results.

If for some reason your pet needs antacids while on itraconazole, give them two hours after itraconazole is administered.
What if dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?

Talk to your veterinarian about:

• When will your pet need to be rechecked
• What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
• Risks and benefits of using this drug

Tell your veterinarian about:

• If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
• If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
• If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
• If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
• All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medicines can be given together.
• If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet

Storage and Warnings:

Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat.

Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

Potential side effects:

• Decrease in appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, liver toxicity (jaundice - yellowing of gums, skin or eyes). If these symptoms are experienced, stop medication and have your veterinarian check the liver enzymes. After recovery, itraconazole therapy can usually be resumed at a lower dose.
• Skin rash and/or leg swelling.
• If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian

Can this drug be given with other drugs?

• Yes, but possible interactions may occur with acyclovir, amlodipine, antacids, cimetidine, cyclosporine, digoxin, isoniazid, omeprazole, ranitidine, quinidine, phenytoin, rifampin and warfarin.
• These drugs should not be given with itraconazole: astemizole, cisapride, didanosine, and terfenadine.
• If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian.

Overdosing?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.

What else should I know?

Notify your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.

As with all prescribed medicines, itraconazole should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.

As therapy may be long-term, periodic bloodwork may be necessary to monitor the drug's effect on your pet's body.

This is just a summary of information about itraconazole. If you have any questions or concerns about itraconazole or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.