Enilconazole

What is enilconazole?

Enilconazole (brand name: Imaverol®) is a skin medication used to treat dermatophytosis (ringworm) in dogs and cats. Enilconazole is currently not available in the United States.

Its use in cats to treat dermatophytosis off label (extra label). Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. 

“Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. 

In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.

How is enilconazole given?

• Enilconazole is given topically in the form of a wash/dip.
• Mix one part of the 10% concentrate with 50 parts lukewarm water to create a 0.2% dilute mixture.
• Dogs with long hair should be clipped before treatment.
• Remove crusts with a brush soaked in the diluted mixture, and then wash with the diluted mixture, taking care to rub the mixture thoroughly in the opposite direction of hair growth.
• Avoid contact with your eyes or your pet’s eyes.
• Wear gloves while applying and consider wearing eye protection. 
• If mixture comes into contact with your skin, wash your skin generously with soap and water.

This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 days and improvement in clinical signs should follow, although full results will take several weeks.

What if I miss a scheduled bath?

Give the missed bath/dip as soon as you remember and then wait the recommended amount of time between baths/dips. Never give extra baths/dips.

Are there any potential side effects?

This medication is well tolerated, and side effects of the diluted emulsion are uncommon. Enilconazole may cause side effects in cats, although information on its use in cats is lacking. Side effects in cats may include:

• Drooling, vomiting
• Lack of appetite, weight loss
• Muscle weakness
• Elevated liver enzymes

There is no information on how long this product lasts on the pet, but because enilconazole is not absorbed by the skin and is safe if ingested at dilute concentrations, its duration of effectiveness is not of concern.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

USE WITH CAUTION in:

• Cats (safety has not been established)
• Pregnant or lactating pets (likely safe)

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

There are no specific drug interactions with enilconazole. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any treatment.

Is any monitoring needed with this medication?

Your veterinarian will let you know when and how they want to reassess your pet to ensure the medication is working and not causing side effects.

How do I store enilconazole?

• Store at room temperature (below 77°F or 25°C) and protect from light.
• Dispose the unused portions of the diluted solutions.
• The concentrated solution should be used within 3 months of opening the bottle.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.