ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/miconazole-chlorhexidine-shampoo
US brand names:Malaseb
Dual-action: miconazole disrupts fungal cell membranes via ergosterol inhibition; chlorhexidine provides broad-spectrum antibacterial activity via cell membrane disruption.
Gold standard for concurrent Malassezia and bacterial skin infections. Leave on 10 minutes. Twice weekly initially, then weekly maintenance. Safe for dogs and cats.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) 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 2 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) | Topical | Best for concurrent Malassezia and staphylococcal pyoderma | Bathe 2x weekly; 10-min contact time | Strong | Mason KV, Atwell R: Clinical Efficacy trials on a chlorhexidine/miconazole shampoo for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis associated with an overgrowth of Malassezia pachydermatis and coccoid bacteria. Proc Eur Soc Vet Dermatol 1995. — Verified against Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 7th Ed, p.238 (2026-08-01). |
| Cat (Domestic) | Topical | Adjunct to systemic antifungal therapy for dermatophytosis | Bathe 2x weekly; 10-min contact time | Moderate | Moriello KA (2004) Treatment of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats: review of published studies. Veterinary Dermatology 15, 99-107; Mueller RS, Bergvall K, Bensignor E et al. (2012) A review of topical therapy for skin infections with bacteria and yeast. Veterinary Dermatology 23, 330-341 — Verified against BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th Ed, Part A, p.281 (2026-08-01). |
Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.
View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.