VetSheet

Ketoconazol

Ketoconazole

Ketoconazolum

Antifúngico azólicoPOTopicalPerrosGatosPequeños mamíferosAvesReptilesCaballos

También conocido como: Nizoral · Fungiconazole · ketoconazolum · R-41400

Revisado por el equipo veterinario de VetSheetActualizado 5 abr 2026Referencia veterinaria basada en la evidencia

5-10 mg/kg PO twice dailyPO· q12h· Minimum of 3-6 months
🐕

Las dosis son una referencia clínica para profesionales veterinarios autorizados. Confirme siempre con el prospecto actual y cada paciente individual.

Dosis por especie

🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe

Perros

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Coccidioidomycosis (systemic form)5-10 mg/kg PO twice dailyPOq12hMinimum of 3-6 months🌎 NA
Coccidioidomycosis (CNS form)15-20 mg/kg PO twice dailyPOq12hMinimum of 3-6 months🌎 NA
Coccidioidomycosis (bony lesions or relapses)5 mg/kg PO every other dayPOq48hLifelong🌎 NA
Coccidioidomycosis10-30 mg/kg PO divided twice a dayPOq12h6-12 months🌎 NA
Blastomycosis10 mg/kg PO twice daily (15-20 mg/kg PO twice daily if CNS involvement)POq12hAt least 3 months🌎 NA
Blastomycosis20 mg/kg/day PO once daily or divided twice daily; 40 mg/kg divided twice daily for ocular or CNS involvementPOq24h or q12hAt least 2-3 months or until remission🌎 NA
Histoplasmosis10 mg/kg PO once a day or twice a dayPOq24h or q12hAt least 3 months🌎 NA
Histoplasmosis10-20 mg/day PO once daily or divided twice dailyPOq24h or q12hAt least 2-3 months or until remission🌎 NA
Aspergillosis20 mg/kg POPONot specifiedAt least 6 weeks🌎 NA
Nasal aspergillosis10 mg/kg PO once daily (q24h) or 5 mg/kg PO q12hPOq24h or q12hMany weeks; continue 1 month beyond last detection🌎 NA
Cryptococcosis10 mg/kg PO once daily or divided twice dailyPOq24h or q12hMaintenance🌎 NA
Fungal myocarditis10 mg/kg PO three times dailyPOq8h🌎 NA
Candidiasis10 mg/kg PO once daily (q24h) or 5 mg/kg PO q12hPOq24h or q12hMany weeks; continue 1 month beyond last detection🌎 NA
Sporotrichosis15 mg/kg PO q12hPOq12hMany weeks; continue 1 month beyond last detection🌎 NA
Malassezia dermatitis (severe)5 mg/kg PO once daily to 10 mg/kg twice dailyPOq24h to q12hUntil clinical signs abate and no organisms seen🌎 NA
Malassezia dermatitis5-10 mg/kg PO twice a dayPOq12h30 days🌎 NA
Malassezia dermatitis5-10 mg/kg PO daily for 10 days, then every other day for an additional 10 daysPOq24h then q48h20 days🌎 NA
Malassezia dermatitis5 mg/kg twice daily for 21-30 days, may increase to 10 mg/kg PO twice daily if poor responsePOq12h21-30 days🌎 NA
Malassezia dermatitis2.5-10 mg/kg PO once daily (q24h) for 7-14 days; once a good response is seen taper to every other day (q48h)POq24h then q48hUntil complete remission🌎 NA
Hyperadrenocorticism5-10 mg/kg PO twice daily initially; may increase to 15 mg/kg PO twice dailyPOq12hLong-term🌎 NA
Hyperadrenocorticism5 mg/kg q12h for 5-7 days, increase to 10 mg/kg q12h for 10-14 days; many require 15-20 mg/kg q12hPOq12hLong-term🌎 NA
Hyperadrenocorticism (palliative)15 mg/kg PO q12hPOq12hLong-term🌎 NA
Reduce cyclosporine dosage5-10 mg/kg PO per dayPOq24hConcurrent with cyclosporine🌎 NA
Perianal fistula (with cyclosporine)7.5 mg/kg PO twice dailyPOq12h🌎 NA
Atopic dermatitis (with cyclosporine)5 mg/kg/dayPOq24h🌎 NA
IMHA (with cyclosporine)10 mg/kg/dayPOq24h🌎 NA
  • Blastomycosis: Used with amphotericin B
  • Blastomycosis: Used with amphotericin B
  • Histoplasmosis: Treat at least 30 days after complete resolution. Maintenance 5 mg/kg PO every other day indefinitely if relapse.
  • Histoplasmosis: Used with amphotericin B
  • Aspergillosis: May require long-term/maintenance therapy
  • Nasal aspergillosis: Itraconazole somewhat more effective
  • Cryptococcosis: Used with amphotericin B
  • Malassezia dermatitis: Often used with therapeutic shampoos
  • Hyperadrenocorticism: Monitor with ACTH stimulation test
  • Perianal fistula (with cyclosporine): Given with cyclosporine 0.5-0.75 mg PO twice daily
  • Atopic dermatitis (with cyclosporine): Given with cyclosporine 2.5 mg/kg/day
  • IMHA (with cyclosporine): Allows reduction of cyclosporine dose

Gatos

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Coccidioidomycosis10-30 mg/kg PO divided twice a dayPOq12h6-12 months🌎 NA
Coccidioidomycosis50 mg per cat PO once daily; or 25-75 mg per cat q12-48hPOq24h or q12-48h9-12 months on average🌎 NA
Blastomycosis10 mg/kg q12h POPOq12hAt least 60 days🌎 NA
Cryptococcosis10 mg/kg twice dailyPOq12h🌎 NA
Aspergillosis10 mg/kg PO q12hPOq12h🌎 NA
Dermatophytosis10 mg/kg PO once daily with an acidic mealPOq24hProlonged; 2 weeks beyond clinical cure and negative cultures🌎 NA
Sporotrichosis5-10 mg/kg PO q12-24hPOq12-24h2-4 months on average🌎 NA
  • Coccidioidomycosis: Use in cats is controversial
  • Blastomycosis: Used with amphotericin B
  • Cryptococcosis: Can produce anorexia and debility at this dosage
  • Dermatophytosis: Reserved for when griseofulvin ineffective or not tolerated

Pequeños mamíferos

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Susceptible infections (Rabbits)10-40 mg/kg per day POPOq24h14 days🌎 NA
Systemic mycoses/candidiasis (Hamsters, Gerbils, Mice, Rats, Guinea pigs, Chinchillas)10-40 mg/kg per day POPOq24h14 days🌎 NA

Aves

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Severe refractory candidiasis in Psittacines5-10 mg/kg as a gavage twice dailyPO (gavage)q12h14 days🌎 NA
Susceptible fungal infections (most species)200 mg/LPO (water)Continuous7-14 days🌎 NA
Susceptible fungal infections (most species)10-20 mg/kgPO (feed)Daily7-14 days🌎 NA
Susceptible fungal infections (Moluccan Cockatoos)20-30 mg/kg PO twice dailyPOq12h🌎 NA
Susceptible fungal infections (Ratites)5-10 mg/kg PO once dailyPOq24h🌎 NA
  • Severe refractory candidiasis in Psittacines: Dissolve in 0.2 mL 1 N HCl and add 0.8 mL water
  • Susceptible fungal infections (most species): Dissolve in acid prior to adding to water
  • Susceptible fungal infections (most species): Add to favorite food or mash

Reptiles

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Susceptible infections (most species)15-30 mg/kg PO once dailyPOq24h2-4 weeks🌎 NA
Fungal shell diseases in turtles/tortoises25 mg/kg PO once a dayPOq24h2-4 weeks🌎 NA

Caballos

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Susceptible yeasts and Aspergillus spp5 mg/kg PO once dailyPOq24h🌎 NA
Scopulariopsis pneumonia30 mg/kg q12hNG tubeq12h🌎 NA
  • Susceptible yeasts and Aspergillus spp: Using commercial oral solution
  • Scopulariopsis pneumonia: Administered via NG tube mixed with 0.2 Normal hydrochloric acid

Las dosis son una referencia clínica para profesionales veterinarios autorizados. Confirme siempre con el prospecto actual y cada paciente individual.

¿Atendiendo una consulta? La IA de VetSheet escribe el fármaco, la dosis y la duración directamente en una nota de visita estructurada.Descubre cómo funciona VetSheet

Resumen

El ketoconazol es un agente antifúngico imidazólico de primera generación. Aunque ha sido reemplazado en gran medida por triazoles más nuevos (como el itraconazol y el fluconazol) debido a sus mejores perfiles de seguridad y mayor eficacia, el ketoconazol sigue siendo una opción rentable para el tratamiento de ciertas micosis sistémicas (p. ej., Blastomyces, Histoplasma, Coccidioides y dermatitis por Malassezia).

​Perla clínica:​ Más allá de sus propiedades antifúngicas, el ketoconazol es un potente inhibidor de las enzimas del citocromo P450 en mamíferos. Esta característica única se aprovecha con frecuencia fuera de etiqueta (off-label) en medicina veterinaria para dos propósitos principales:

  • ​Ahorro de fármacos:​ Para reducir la dosis requerida (y el costo) de medicamentos costosos como la ciclosporina al inhibir su metabolismo hepático.
  • ​Terapia endocrina:​ Como opción de manejo médico para el ​hiperadrenocorticismo canino (enfermedad de Cushing)​ al inhibir de forma reversible la esteroidogénesis adrenal.

​Nota:​ El uso de ketoconazol en gatos es altamente controvertido debido a una mayor prevalencia de toxicidad gastrointestinal y hepática; muchos clínicos prefieren el itraconazol para pacientes felinos.

Mecanismo de acción

​Antifungal Action:​ Ketoconazole inhibits lanosterol 14α-demethylase, a fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme → blocks the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol → depletion of ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane → accumulation of toxic intermediate sterols → increased cellular membrane permeability and cell death. It is primarily fungistatic but can be fungicidal at high concentrations or prolonged exposures.

​Endocrine/Metabolic Action:​ It reversibly inhibits mammalian cytochrome P450 enzymes (specifically CYP11A1 and CYP17) → blocks the synthesis of adrenal and gonadal steroids → decreases cortisol and testosterone production.

​Immunomodulatory Action:​ Inhibits 5-lipooxygenase, providing mild anti-inflammatory effects, and suppresses T-lymphocyte proliferation.

Seguridad y advertencias

Contraindicaciones

  • Known hypersensitivity to ketoconazole
  • Controversial/Contraindicated in cats (due to toxicity risks)
  • Concurrent use with cisapride or ivermectin (in dogs)
  • Hepatic insufficiency
  • Pregnancy (due to possible teratogenic effects)

Efectos adversos

  • Anorexia (most common, especially in cats)
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Hepatic toxicity (cholangiohepatitis, increased liver enzymes)
  • Thrombocytopenia (rare)
  • Reversible lightening of haircoat
  • Transient suppression of gonadal and adrenal steroid synthesis
  • Infertility in male dogs (reversible)
  • Hepatotoxicity
  • Alterations in hair-coat colour
  • Thrombocytopenia (at high doses)
  • Adrenal insufficiency (at high doses)
  • Cataract development (in dogs)
  • Teratogenic effects

Precauciones

Use with caution in patients with hepatic disease or thrombocytopenia. Ketoconazole is a known teratogen and embryotoxin; weigh risks vs. benefits in pregnant animals. It may cause reversible infertility in male dogs by decreasing testosterone synthesis. Dogs undergoing high-dose antifungal therapy may need additional glucocorticoid support during periods of acute stress due to adrenal suppression.

Interacciones farmacológicas

Alcohol

May produce a disulfiram-like reaction (vomiting)

AntacidsModerate

May reduce oral absorption of ketoconazole; administer at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after

Tricyclic Antidepressants (amitriptyline, clomipramine)

Ketoconazole may reduce metabolism and increase adverse effects

Benzodiazepines (midazolam, triazolam)

Ketoconazole may increase levels

Buspirone

Plasma concentrations may be elevated

Busulfan

Ketoconazole may increase levels

Calcium-channel blockers (amlodipine, verapamil)

Ketoconazole may increase levels

Cisapride

Ketoconazole may increase cisapride levels and possibility for toxicity; use together contraindicated

Corticosteroids

Ketoconazole may inhibit metabolism; potential for increased adverse effects

Cyclophosphamide

Ketoconazole may inhibit metabolism; potential for increased toxicity

Cyclosporine

Increased cyclosporine levels (often used therapeutically to reduce cyclosporine dose)

Digoxin

Ketoconazole may increase digoxin levels

Fentanyl/Alfentanil

Ketoconazole may increase fentanyl or alfentanil levels

H2-blockers (ranitidine, famotidine)

Increased gastric pH may reduce ketoconazole absorption

Hepatotoxic drugs

Should be used cautiously together due to additive hepatotoxicity risk

Isoniazid

May affect ketoconazole levels; concomitant use not recommended

Ivermectin

Ketoconazole may increase risk for neurotoxicity; should never be used together in dogs

Macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin)

May increase ketoconazole concentrations

Mitotane

Not recommended together; adrenolytic effects of mitotane may be inhibited by ketoconazole

Phenytoin

May decrease ketoconazole levels

Proton-pump inhibitors (omeprazole)

Increased gastric pH may reduce ketoconazole absorption

Quinidine

Ketoconazole may increase quinidine levels

Rifampin

May decrease ketoconazole levels; ketoconazole may increase rifampin levels

Sucralfate

May reduce absorption of ketoconazole

Sulfonylurea antidiabetic agents (glipizide, glyburide)

Ketoconazole may increase levels; hypoglycemia possible

Theophylline

Ketoconazole may decrease serum theophylline concentrations; monitor levels

Vincristine/Vinblastine

Ketoconazole may inhibit vinca alkaloid metabolism and increase levels

Warfarin

Ketoconazole may cause increased prothrombin times

CiclosporinMajor

Ketoconazole increases blood levels of ciclosporin (used therapeutically to reduce ciclosporin dose requirements)

Amphotericin BModerate

Used synergistically in systemic fungal disease, allowing for a reduced dose of amphotericin B

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs)Moderate

Increases gastric pH, which impairs the absorption of ketoconazole; stagger dosing

H2 blockersModerate

Increases gastric pH, which impairs the absorption of ketoconazole; stagger dosing

AntimuscarinicsModerate

Increases gastric pH, which impairs the absorption of ketoconazole; stagger dosing

MethylprednisoloneModerate

Ketoconazole extends the activity of methylprednisolone

AntihistaminesModerate

Inhibits the metabolism of antihistamines (extrapolated from human data)

Oral hypoglycaemicsMajor

Inhibits the metabolism of oral hypoglycaemics (extrapolated from human data)

AntiepilepticsMajor

Inhibits the metabolism of antiepileptics (extrapolated from human data)

Monitorización

  • Liver enzymes with chronic therapy (at least every 1-2 months)
  • CBC with platelets
  • Clinical efficacy
  • Adverse effects (GI signs, jaundice)
  • Liver function tests (routine monitoring recommended)
  • Platelet count (if high doses are used)
  • Adrenal function/clinical signs of hypoadrenocorticism

Farmacocinética

Vida media

Perros1-6 hours (avg. 2.7 hours)

Absorción

Highly variable oral bioavailability in dogs (4-89%). Absorption is enhanced in an acidic environment and may be increased with food. Poor oral absorption of tablets in horses, but increases to 23% if given with hydrochloric acid, and 60% with oral solution.

Distribución

Distributed into bile, cerumen, saliva, urine, synovial fluid, and CSF (CSF levels <10% of serum). High levels in liver, adrenals, and pituitary gland. 84-99% bound to plasma proteins. Crosses the placenta and is found in milk.

Metabolismo

Extensively metabolized by the liver into several inactive metabolites.

Eliminación

Metabolites are excreted primarily into the feces via the bile. About 13% is excreted into the urine (only 2-4% unchanged).

Sobredosis

No reports of acute toxicity associated with overdosage were located. The oral LD50 in dogs is >500 mg/kg. In the event of an acute overdose, employ supportive measures, including gastric lavage with sodium bicarbonate.

Productos disponibles

Formulaciones

  • Oral tablets
  • Oral suspension (compounded)
  • Topical preparations
  • 200 mg oral tablet

Veterinario

  • None for systemic use
  • Fungiconazole 200 mg tablet

Etiquetado para humanos

  • Ketoconazole Tablets: 200 mg (scored)

Estado regulador

European Union✓ AprobadoMedicamento de prescripciónEMA
🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

POM-V classification

United Kingdom✓ AprobadoMedicamento de prescripciónVMD
🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

POM-V (Prescription Only Medicine - Veterinarian)

Sin datos reguladores para: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU

Almacenamiento y estabilidad

Store tablets at room temperature in well-closed containers. Compounded oral suspensions (20 mg/mL) retain >95% potency for 60 days when stored at 5°C or 25°C and protected from light.

Información para el cliente

  • ​Administración:​ Administre este medicamento con comida para aumentar la absorción y reducir el malestar estomacal. Si su mascota presenta vómitos o pérdida de apetito, dividir la dosis diaria puede ayudar.
  • ​Efectos secundarios:​ Esté atento a la pérdida de apetito, vómitos o diarrea. Si ocurren, contacte a su veterinario. En gatos, estos efectos secundarios son más comunes.
  • ​Cambios en el pelaje:​ Es posible que note un aclaramiento reversible del pelaje de su mascota durante el tratamiento.
  • ​Compromiso:​ Las infecciones fúngicas a menudo requieren meses de tratamiento continuo. No suspenda el medicamento antes de tiempo aunque su mascota parezca estar mejor, ya que la infección puede regresar fácilmente.
  • ​Advertencia:​ Informe a su veterinario sobre todos los demás medicamentos que esté tomando su mascota, ya que el ketoconazol interactúa con muchos fármacos.

La referencia de medicamentos de VetSheet está destinada a profesionales veterinarios autorizados como ayuda para la toma de decisiones clínicas, no como sustituto del criterio profesional ni del prospecto actual del fabricante.