Fluconazole for Dogs: A Medication to Treat Fungal Infections
Key takeaways:
Fluconazole is an antifungal medication that’s used to treat many fungal infections in dogs — except ringworm.
Fluconazole is available as a capsule, tablet, or in liquid form. It’s given once or twice a day for several weeks.
Fluconazole may cause upset stomach. But serious side effects are rare.
Table of contents
If your dog has a fungal infection, your veterinarian may recommend fluconazole. This oral medication can treat a range of fungal infections in dogs — from simple yeast infections of the skin to serious fungal infections that affect the internal organs.
Fluconazole for dogs at a glance
Common names | Fluconazole (Diflucan) |
What it treats | Fungal infections |
How it comes (forms) | Capsules, tablets, liquid |
Common side effects | Reduced appetite, nausea, diarrhea |
Average cost |
What is fluconazole for dogs, and how does it work?
Fluconazole is an antifungal medication. It is used to treat a variety of fungal infections in dogs and other animals.
Fluconazole works by killing the fungus. It attacks the cell wall of fungal cells, creating tiny holes. These holes cause the cell to begin leaking. Without an intact cell wall, fungus cells die. This eliminates the fungal infection within the body.
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What is fluconazole used for in dogs?
Veterinarians use fluconazole to treat a variety of common (and uncommon) fungal infections in dogs, including:
Blastomycosis
Candidiasis
Coccidioidomycosis
Cryptococcosis
Histoplasmosis
Malassezia infection
Fluconazole can also treat nasal aspergillosis, which affects the nasal cavity, as well as disseminated aspergillosis, which can enter through the respiratory tract and spread throughout the body. However, some Aspergillus strains are resistant to fluconazole. Your veterinarian may recommend culture and sensitivity testing before treating Aspergillus with fluconazole. This helps determine if the medication will help your pet’s infection.
Fluconazole is not used to treat ringworm. Although ringworm is caused by a fungus, other medications are often better at treating it.
How is fluconazole dosed and given to dogs?
Fluconazole is typically given as capsules or tablets. But liquid formulations may also be available. You’ll usually give it once or twice daily for several weeks.
Your veterinarian will calculate your dog’s fluconazole dose based on your dog’s body weight and their fungal infection. Some infections require higher doses of fluconazole, while others can be treated with lower doses.
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Fluconazole is not available as a veterinary drug. So human fluconazole is used off-label in dogs. Human fluconazole is not FDA approved for use in dogs, but it has been researched and is viewed as safe and effective.
What are the common side effects of fluconazole in dogs?
The most common side effects seen with fluconazole are gastrointestinal (GI) and include:
Reduced appetite
Nausea
Diarrhea
Giving fluconazole with a meal can decrease GI symptoms. If your dog has GI issues despite taking fluconazole with a meal, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
What are the most serious risks of fluconazole for dogs?
Serious side effects associated with fluconazole are rare, but they can happen. They may include:
Eye discharge
Cushing’s syndrome (a hormone imbalance)
If you notice any serious side effects while your dog is taking fluconazole, stop giving the medication and contact your veterinarian. They may recommend a change in dosage or in your dog’s medication.
Does fluconazole interact with any other dog medications?
Yes, fluconazole can interact with a number of common medications. These interactions can increase or decrease the activity of one or both medications. This can mean an increased risk of side effects or decreased effectiveness in one or both medications.
The following medications can interact with fluconazole:
Alprazolam (Xanax)
CBD
Cimetidine
Cisapride
Cyclosporine
Digoxin
Midazolam
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Rifampin
Warfarin
To reduce the risk of medication interactions, make sure your veterinarian knows all the medications your pet is taking. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. This will allow your veterinarian to reduce the risk of drug interactions.
What should you do if your dog misses a dose of fluconazole?
If your dog misses a dose of fluconazole, give the missed dose as soon as possible.
If it’s almost time for your dog’s next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your dog’s regular dosing schedule. Do not give a double dose of fluconazole.
The bottom line
Fluconazole is an oral antifungal medication that treats a wide variety of fungal infections, including blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and others.
If you use fluconazole as directed, side effects are uncommon and typically mild. If your dog develops significant side effects like hair loss or liver problems while taking fluconazole, contact your veterinarian.
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References
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). FAQs about extralabel drug use.
Brooks, W. (2017). Cushing's syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism): Description. VeterinaryPartner.
Brooks, W. (2023). Fluconazole (Diflucan). VeterinaryPartner.
Budde, J. A., et al. (2023). Fluconazole. Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. Wiley-Blackwell.
Cadle, R. M., et al. (1994). Fluconazole-induced symptomatic phenytoin toxicity. Annals of Pharmacology.
Mercer, M. A. (2022). Azoles for use in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Taboada, J. (2018). Fungal infections in dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Thompson III, G. R. (2019). Examination of fluconazole-induced alopecia in an animal model and human cohort. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.
