Ketoconazole for Russian Tortoises
Reptile · Testudo horsfieldii · typical adult weight 0.23–0.91 kg
Ketoconazole is dosed at 15–30 mg/kg PO q 24 h for 14–28 d in russian tortoises, per Merck Veterinary Manual. Antimicrobial Drugs Used in Reptiles (dosing table). Rahway (NJ): Merck & Co.; accessed 2026. URL: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/antimicrobial-drugs-used-in-reptiles. Ketoconazole is used in russian tortoises for Fungal infections. Routes documented in russian tortoises: PO. A typical adult russian tortoise weighs 0.23–0.91 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Ketoconazole in russian tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Nizoral
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 15–30 mg/kg | q 24 h for 14–28 d | Fungal infections | Weak | Merck Veterinary Manual. Antimicrobial Drugs Used in Reptiles (dosing table). Rahway (NJ): Merck & Co.; accessed 2026. URL: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/antimicrobial-drugs-used-in-reptiles |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your russian tortoise's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51), blocking ergosterol synthesis in fungal membranes. At high doses, inhibits adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis.
Side effects & warnings
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-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for russian tortoises may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dose of Ketoconazole for Russian Tortoises?
Ketoconazole dose range in russian tortoises, with cited source references: PO 15–30 mg/kg q 24 h for 14–28 d.
How is Ketoconazole administered in Russian Tortoises?
Documented routes for Ketoconazole in russian tortoises: PO.
What conditions does Ketoconazole treat in Russian Tortoises?
Ketoconazole is indicated in russian tortoises for: Fungal infections.
What are the side effects of Ketoconazole in Russian Tortoises?
These are general warnings for Ketoconazole across species; consult the russian tortoise dosing table above for species-specific guidance. 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).
Other Antifungal drugs with russian tortoise dosing
Ketoconazole dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Ketoconazole pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in russian tortoises — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.