ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/ketoconazole
US brand names:Nizoral
Ketoconazole is dosed at 15–30 mg/kg PO q24h in bearded dragons, per Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, Ketoconazole (Systemic), REPTILES section, corpus p.755 (printed 728). Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Inhibits lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51), blocking ergosterol synthesis in fungal membranes. At high doses, inhibits adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis.
Hepatotoxic — monitor liver enzymes. Strong CYP inhibitor (many drug interactions). Requires gastric acid for absorption (do not give with antacids). Also used for Cushing's disease (adrenal steroidogenesis inhibition).
Species references:All Bearded Dragon drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Russian Tortoise drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 4 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 5–10 mg/kg | q12h | Strong | Hillier A. Why are these nails falling off? Claw diseases of the dog. Presented at: Atlantic Coast Vet Conference (ACVC); 2015. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.755 (2026-08-01). |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 5–10 mg/kg | q12-24h | Moderate | Medleau L, Greene CE, Rakich PM. Evaluation of ketoconazole and itraconazole for treatment of disseminated cryptococcosis in cats. Am J Vet Res. 1990;51(9):1454-1458. doi:10.2460/ajvr.1990.51.09.1454 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.755 (2026-08-01). |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.