Ketoconazole
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Ketoconazole during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address questions people often ask. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
- Ketoconazole is given to treat infections caused by fungus.
- Give this medicine together with food.
- Side effects that are often seen include throwing up, loose stools, and eating less.
- Call your veterinarian if you notice your pet stops eating completely, seems weak or unusually low on energy, or develops yellow coloring of the skin, gums, or the whites of the eyes (this yellowing is called jaundice).
Description
- This medicine is an “azole” type antifungal (a medicine used for fungal infections).
- It comes as tablets.
Other common names
- Nizoral
Uses
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for people. Your veterinarian may choose to prescribe it in a way not listed on the label for:
- Treating fungal infections in dogs, cats, and other animals
- Reducing the amount needed of certain other medicines, such as cyclosporine
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any medicines or supplements your animal is currently receiving, because this medicine can react with many other drugs
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before
- Any past bad reactions or side effects your animal has had from medicines
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not give this medicine to animals:
- That have had an allergy to it, or to other azole antifungal medicines such as itraconazole or fluconazole
- That have liver disease
- That are pregnant, nursing, or intended for breeding
Use extra care if giving this medicine to:
- Cats
- Animals that have a low platelet count (platelets are blood parts that help with clotting)
- Animals that have low cortisol (Addison disease)
Some animal sports or competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking any medication.
Warnings for humans
- Clean your hands after you handle any medication.
How do I give this medication?
- Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian directed.
- Give this medicine with food.
Side effects
Common — contact your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice:
- Temporary lightening of the coat color
- Complete loss of appetite
- Weakness or lack of energy
- Yellow coloring of the skin, eyes, or gums (jaundice)
- Cloudy eyes
How will I know it's working?
- This medicine should begin to have an effect after a few doses.
- As the medicine reaches full effect, your animal’s signs should improve little by little.
- Contact your veterinary clinic if your animal’s signs get worse or do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
- The medicine’s effect should end within 24 hours after the final dose.
- The effect may continue longer if your animal’s liver function is reduced.
How long do I give it for?
- The length of treatment can vary.
- Keep giving it for the full time your veterinarian instructs.
- You may need to get the prescription refilled.
- When this medicine is used for fungal infections, it is important to complete the full treatment course even if your animal seems better.
Overdose
- Too much of this medicine can harm the liver.
- Possible overdose signs include not wanting to eat, vomiting, a painful belly, weakness, and yellow coloring of the skin, eyes, or gums.
If you see an overdose happen, or think it may have happened, contact your veterinarian right away.
If possible, have the medicine container or label available.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.
- Continue with the normal dosing plan.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
- Do not flush this medicine in the toilet.
- Do not pour it into a sink.
- This medicine is very dangerous to aquatic life.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: this is the best option when available. To find a nearby site, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- Home disposal: combine the medicine with used cat litter or coffee grounds, place the mixture into a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
- Do not keep leftover medicine for later use.
- Do not give leftover medicine to anyone else to use.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”
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- Gentamicin Posaconazole Mometasone Ear