Fluconazole by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals

Fluconazole

Trade Names:

Diflucan®

General Description:

Fluconazole is an oral antifungal agent used to treat fungal infections in dogs and cats (ex. urinary, ringworm, central nervous system infections). Fluconazole is expensive but has fewer side effects than some other antifungal agents. Fluconazole may be given with or without food. This medication is available in different strengths as an oral suspension or as tablets.

• Antifungal
• Given by mouth

• Treatment of fungal infections, particularly of the central nervous system and urinary tract
• Treatment of yeast infections of the skin and ringworm
• Fewer side effects than other antifungal agents, although expensive

• Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to fluconazole or like products before
• Use with caution in pets with poor kidney function
• Pets with liver disease
• Pregnant or nursing animals

Fluconazole may be given with or without food.

Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. Depending upon the condition, this medication may be given once or twice daily.

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.

It may take one or two weeks before effects of the medication are noted.

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.

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

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.

• Decrease in appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, liver toxicity (jaundice - yellowing of gums, skin or eyes). If these symptoms are experienced, stop medication and have your veterinarian check the liver enzymes.
• Kidney failure
• Depression, fatigue, pale gums (possible anemia)
• Skin rash
• If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian

• Yes, but possible interactions may occur with amphotericin B, cyclosporine, digoxin, oral antidiabetic agents (ex. chlorpropramide, glipizide, etc), phenytoin, rifampin and warfarin (or other blood thinners).
• If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian.

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

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

As with all prescribed medicines, fluconazole 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 blood tests may be necessary to monitor the drug's effect on your pet's body.

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

Fluconazole
(Diflucan)

Common Drug Name
Fluconazole

Common Brand Names
Diflucan

Storage
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container. Oral liquids should be refrigerated and shaken well before each use. Discard after the expiration date listed on the container.

Uses
Fluconazole is used for the treatment of serious fungal infections, especially of the central nervous system. It is also used to treat yeast infections of the skin, and ringworm. It is used in multiple species including dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, rodents, and birds.

Dose and Administration
Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian.
Dose and frequency of administration depends upon the disease and response to treatment. It may be necessary to treat for several months, and may take one or two weeks to start seeing improvement.
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next  dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once.
This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

Possible Side Effects
May see loss of appetite, vomiting, liver toxicity (jaundice - yellowing of the gums, skin, or eyes), depression, tiredness, anemia (pale gums and mucous membranes), or a skin rash. Consult your veterinarian immediately if you see any of these signs.
If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Precautions
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to it or to similar products.
Not for use in animals with liver disease.
Not recommended for use in pregnant animals unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
Use with caution in animals with kidney failure.
Consult with your veterinarian on the need to monitor liver enzymes during treatment and for necessary physical examinations and other laboratory testing prior to and during treatment with fluconazole. 

Drug, Food, and Test Interactions
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, your pet is taking while your pet is receiving fluconazole.
Consult your veterinarian before using fluconazole with hypoglycemic agents (such as glipizide and chlorpropamide), warfarin or other anticoagulants (blood thinners), amphotericin B and rifampin, phenytoin and cyclosporine, since interactions may occur. 

Signs of Toxicity/Overdose
May see signs similar to those under side effects.
If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any unusual signs, symptoms, or behaviors in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets.

This information may not cover all possible uses, directions, side effects, precautions, allergic reactions, drug interactions, or withdrawal times. Always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet.