Itraconazole for cats: dosage and administration

Author: John Stephens
Date Of Creation: 26 January 2021
Update Date: 13 November 2024
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How to give liquid medication to a cat
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Fungi are very resistant organisms that can enter the animal or human body through wounds on the skin, through the respiratory tract or by ingestion and which can result in skin diseases in cats or, in more serious situations, such as, for example, cause a systemic disease.

Sporotrichosis in cats is an example of a fungal infection in which the fungus is inoculated into the skin through scratches or bites from infected animals and which can affect both animals and humans. The treatment of choice for feline sporotrichosis is Itraconazole, an antifungal drug used in several fungal diseases.

If you want to know more about sporotrichosis and Itraconazole for cats: dosage and administration, continue reading this article by PeritoAnimal.


Sporotrichosis in cats: what is it

Sporotrichosis is a zoonotic disease (which can be transmitted to humans) and fungal appearing all over the world, however, Brazil is the country where the highest number of cases of this disease is reported.

Fungus inoculation, that is, the fungus entering the body, occurs through existing wounds or wounds caused by contaminated material, as well as scratches or bites from infected animals.

Sporotrichosis in cats is quite common and, in these animals, the fungus lodges under the nails or in the head region (especially in the nose and mouth) and enters the body, so it is possible for the animal to transmit to other animals or humans through the scratch, of the bite or by direct contact with the injury.


There is an increased occurrence of sporotrichosis in non-castrated adult male cats.

Sporotrichosis in cats: images

If you notice any suspicious wound on your pet's skin, without apparent cause and with a characteristic location or appearance, you should take your pet to the veterinarian, immediately handle your animal with gloves and follow the doctor's recommendations.

Next, we show a very characteristic photo of this disease so that you can better understand its clinical signs.

How to diagnose sporotrichosis in cats

The main symptoms of feline sporotrichosis are skin lesions, which can vary from one simple isolated injury The multiple scattered skin lesions all over the body.


These injuries are characterized by nodules/lumps and skin ulcers with secretions, but not itchy or painful. The problem is that these wounds do not respond to antibiotics or other treatments such as ointments, lotions or shampoos.

In severe cases, there may be systemic involvement and affect various internal organs and structures (such as the lungs, joints and even the central nervous system), ending in the animal's death if left untreated.

As we have already mentioned, this disease is likely to be transmitted to humans (it is a zoonosis), but this is not a reason to move away or abandon your animal, it is rather a reason to treat the condition as soon as possible, preventing your animal's discomfort and contagion from those around you.

It is important that feline sporotrichosis is diagnosed as soon as possible and that the sick animal receives the necessary treatment. Definitive diagnosis is confirmed by isolation of the agent in the laboratory. Read on to learn how to treat sporotrichosis in cats.

How to treat sporotrichosis in cats

The treatment of feline sporotrichosis requires continuous daily care over a long period of time that can go from a few weeks to many months.

This disease is very difficult to treat and requires a lot of dedication on the part of tutors, as only cooperation and persistence will lead to successful treatment.

HEYtraconazole for cats it is often used as a remedy for sporotrichosis in cats. If you want to know more about this drug, don't miss the next topic.

Itraconazole for cats: what is it

Itraconazole is a antifungal imidazole derivative and is used as the treatment of choice for certain fungal diseases due to its potent antifungal action and lower adverse effects compared to other drugs in the same group. It is indicated for a wide variety of fungal infections such as superficial, subcutaneous and systemic mycoses, such as dermatophytosis, malasseziosis and sporotrichosis.

In severe cases, it is recommended to associate potassium iodide. This is not an antifungal, but it stimulates the activity of certain defense cells in the body and, together with itraconazole, it becomes the treatment of choice.

Itraconazole for cats: dosage

This drug can only be obtained through doctor's prescription and only the veterinarian will be able to inform you of the doses and the frequency and duration. the most appropriate treatment for your pet.

Frequency of administration and dose should be adapted to each animal, depending on the severity of the situation, age and weight. The duration of treatment depends on the underlying cause, response to medication or the development of side effects.

How to give itraconazole to cats

Itraconazole comes as an oral solution (syrup), tablets or capsules. In cats, it is administered orally and is recommended to be supplied with the food to facilitate its absorption.

You should not interrupt treatment or increase or decrease the dosage. unless indicated by the veterinarian. Even if your pet is improving and seems cured, the treatment should continue for another month, as finishing the antifungal agent too soon can cause the fungi to develop again and even become resistant to the drug. In cats, it is common for most recurrent lesions to appear in the nose.

It is important not to miss the times of administration, but if it misses and it is close to the time for the next dose, you should not give double the dose. You should skip the missed dose and follow the treatment as usual.

Itraconazole for Cats: Overdose and Side Effects

Itraconazole is one of the remedies for sporotrichosis in cats and is a relatively safe and effective only when prescribed by the veterinarian. and following all your recommendations. Compared to other antifungals, this is what has fewer side effects, however it can lead to:

  • Decreased appetite;
  • Weight loss;
  • Vomiting;
  • Diarrhea;
  • Jaundice due to liver problems.

If you notice any changes in your pet's behavior or routine, you should inform your veterinarian immediately.

This drug should not be used in animals that are hypersensitive to the drug and not recommended for pregnant, nursing or puppies..

It is important to emphasize that you should never self-medicate your pet. The indiscriminate use of this drug can lead to an overdose that leads to serious consequences such as hepatitis or liver failure, which is why equal attention should also be paid to animals that are already suffering from liver and/or kidney disease.

Depending on the side effects, the doctor may decrease the dose, increase the administration interval or even stop the treatment.

Sporotrichosis in cats: care

It is impossible to eliminate all existing fungi, as they naturally inhabit different types of materials and environments, however prophylaxis is very important. One regular disinfection and hygiene of spaces and animals they can prevent not only relapses, but also the contamination of other animals in the house and human beings themselves.

  • Clean all fabrics, beds, blankets, food and water troughs during and especially at the end of the treatment;
  • Always wear gloves while handling your infected pet and while giving him medication (if necessary you should use a pill applicator);
  • Separate your cat from the other animals in the house;
  • Prevent the animal from going out into the street;
  • Follow the prescription of the treatment suggested by the veterinarian, in order to avoid recurrences and contagion from other animals or humans.

These are the main precautions you should take in the case of a cat with a fungal disease, especially feline sporotrichosis.

This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Itraconazole for cats: dosage and administration, we recommend that you enter our Skin Problems section.