Antifungal · Drug monograph

Miconazole: veterinary dose and monograph

Miconazole is a veterinary antifungal. An imidazole antifungal used TOPICALLY for dermatophytosis (ringworm) and especially MALASSEZIA dermatitis/otitis — the miconazole + chlorhexidine SHAMPOO combination is a mainstay of managing Malassezia and concurrent bacterial skin… Indications include malassezia dermatitis and otitis (especially miconazole–chlorhexidine shampoo); dermatophytosis (ringworm) — topical (adjunct to systemic therapy for generalised cases); localised cutaneous yeast/fungal infections. This monograph lists 3 reference doses for dogs, cats and horses, each with route, frequency and source.

At a glance

Drug class: Antifungal
Also known as: Daktarin, Conofite, Miconazole nitrate
Species with doses: Dogs, Cats and Horses
Routes: Topical
Last reviewed: 1 October 2026

Indications

Malassezia dermatitis and otitis (especially miconazole–chlorhexidine shampoo)
Dermatophytosis (ringworm) — topical (adjunct to systemic therapy for generalised cases)
Localised cutaneous yeast/fungal infections
Fungal keratitis (topical ophthalmic) — adjunct

Miconazole dose by species

Doses are per administration unless stated. mg/kg doses scale with body weight; per-animal, per-quarter and infusion-rate doses are shown as the reference writes them.

Dogs

Miconazole doses for dogs
Indication	Dose	Route	Frequency	Duration
Malassezia dermatitis/otitis (shampoo/topical)	Miconazole–chlorhexidine shampoo, 10 min contact, 2–3× weekly; cream q12–24h	Topical	shampoo 2–3×/week; cream q12–24h	—

Malassezia dermatitis/otitis (shampoo/topical): Plumb’s 10e p.1438 (Miconazole, Topical): sprays, creams, lotions or wipes 1–2 times daily; shampoos and conditioners daily to weekly, left on the skin for at least 10 minutes before rinsing; otherwise follow the product label. Do not let the animal lick the site for 20–30 minutes. Papich 5e has no monograph. Miconazole–chlorhexidine shampoo with about 10 min contact 2–3 times weekly; localised lesions: cream q12–24h.

Cats

Miconazole doses for cats
Indication	Dose	Route	Frequency	Duration
Dermatophytosis / Malassezia (topical)	Topical product per label	Topical	per product	—

Dermatophytosis / Malassezia (topical): Topical adjunct; for generalised ringworm combine with systemic therapy + environmental control.

Horses

Miconazole doses for horses
Indication	Dose	Route	Frequency	Duration
Dermatophytosis / fungal keratitis (topical)	Topical or ophthalmic product per label	Topical	per product	—

Dermatophytosis / fungal keratitis (topical): Topical/ophthalmic use.

Contraindications

Known imidazole hypersensitivity. Ophthalmic use only with appropriate (ophthalmic-grade) preparations. Otherwise minimal — topical, surface-acting.

Adverse effects

Local irritation / contact reaction (occasional)
Drying of skin/coat with frequent shampooing
Essentially no systemic toxicity (topical)

Drug interactions

Chlorhexidine: synergistic (the basis of the combination shampoo)
No significant systemic interactions (topical use)

Pregnancy and lactation

Topical use is low-risk (negligible absorption).

Monitoring

Skin/ear cytology and clinical response (Malassezia counts)
Local tolerance (irritation, coat dryness)
For generalised dermatophytosis, combine with systemic therapy and recheck cultures

Toxicity and overdose

Very safe topically — local irritation is the only common effect. (Systemic azole toxicity is not relevant to topical miconazole, which is not given systemically in animals.)

Management: Rinse off / discontinue for local irritation; supportive. No specific antidote needed.

Clinical pearls

The miconazole–chlorhexidine SHAMPOO is a go-to for Malassezia dermatitis and superficial bacterial overgrowth — the two ingredients are synergistic; allow ~10 minutes of contact time
Surface-acting and very safe — ideal topical adjunct for ringworm/yeast, but generalised dermatophytosis still needs systemic therapy + environmental decontamination
Also available as ear/ophthalmic preparations for fungal otitis/keratitis
Contact time and frequency (2–3×/week) drive efficacy with the shampoo

Mechanism of action

An imidazole that inhibits fungal cytochrome-P450 14-α-demethylase, blocking ergosterol synthesis and damaging the fungal cell membrane; at the higher concentrations achieved topically it also directly damages membrane integrity. The result is fungistatic/fungicidal activity against dermatophytes and Malassezia at the skin surface. Combined with chlorhexidine it gives synergistic antifungal + antibacterial surface cover.

Formulations and products

Cream / lotion / spray 2 %
Shampoo 2 % (often with 2 % chlorhexidine)
Ear/ophthalmic preparation
Conofite / Malaseb (miconazole + chlorhexidine) (Dechra / various) — 2 % miconazole (± 2 % chlorhexidine), Shampoo / lotion / cream
Daktarin — 2 % cream / gel / powder, Topical (human-label)

Storage

Creams/shampoos/solutions: 15–30 °C, protect from light/freezing.

Before you use this dose

Reference doses for veterinary professionals. Confirm the dose against the product label, the patient’s condition, current guidance and local regulations before use; the attending veterinarian remains responsible for every clinical decision.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dose of Miconazole for dogs?

Reference doses for Miconazole in dogs: Miconazole–chlorhexidine shampoo, 10 min contact, 2–3× weekly; cream q12–24h Topical shampoo 2–3×/week; cream q12–24h (Malassezia dermatitis/otitis (shampoo/topical)). Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

What is the dose of Miconazole for cats?

Reference doses for Miconazole in cats: Topical product per label Topical per product (Dermatophytosis / Malassezia (topical)). Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

What is the dose of Miconazole for horses?

Reference doses for Miconazole in horses: Topical or ophthalmic product per label Topical per product (Dermatophytosis / fungal keratitis (topical)). Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

When should Miconazole not be used?