Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How do compounded, generic, and brand itraconazole compare for dogs
By Renschler, Janelle et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2018·From MiraVista Diagnostics·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Comparison of Compounded, Generic, and Innovator-Formulated Itraconazole in Dogs and Cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs and cats being treated for fungal infections with a compounded version of the antifungal itraconazole had much lower blood levels of the medication compared to those receiving generic or brand-name versions. In fact, nearly all the pets on the compounded formulation had levels that were too low to be effective, while the generic and brand-name versions provided adequate levels for treatment. The study suggests that pet owners should avoid compounded itraconazole and consider using generic options instead, as they appear to be a good alternative. Regular monitoring of drug levels can help ensure pets receive the right amount of medication.
People also search for: dog fungal infection treatment · cat itraconazole dosage · compounded vs generic itraconazole for pets
Abstract
The triazole antifungal itraconazole may be cost prohibitive in brand name form; therefore, compounded and generic products are often used as alternatives. Itraconazole blood concentrations have not been studied in clinical patients receiving these formulations. Itraconazole bioassay was performed on serum/plasma from 95 dogs and 20 cats receiving itraconazole (compounded from bulk powder, generic pelletized, or brand name) for systemic mycosis treatment. Mean itraconazole concentration was lower in the compounded group (n = 42) as compared with the generic (n = 40) or brand name (n = 33) groups (0.5 µg/mL versus 8.3 µg/mL and 6.5 µg/mL, respectively; P < .001). No statistical difference was observed between itraconazole concentrations in the generic and brand name groups. Forty animals (95.2%) in the compounded group had subtherapeutic (<1.0 µg/mL) values. All cats in this group (n = 10) had undetectable itraconazole concentrations. Some animals in the generic and brand name groups had subtherapeutic values (12.5 and 12.1%, respectively) or potentially toxic values (>10 µg/mL; 37.5 and 24%, respectively). Compounded itraconazole should be avoided, but generic itraconazole appears to serve as a reasonable alternative to brand name itraconazole. Therapeutic drug monitoring may be beneficial in all cases.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29757665/