Adverse neurologic events associated with voriconazole use in 3 cats.
BACKGROUND
Voriconazole has a broader spectrum of activity in comparison to fluconazole, itraconazole, and amphotericin B. Little documentation regarding appropriate dosing, efficacy, or adverse effects exists for cats. Neurologic adverse effects have been reported as a result of administration in other species.


OBJECTIVE
Voriconazole administration resulted in neurologic abnormalities in 3 cats.


METHODS
Three cats that received voriconazole.


METHODS
Observational study of adverse effects associated with voriconazole administration.


RESULTS
All 3 cats had ataxia, which in 2 cats progressed to paraplegia of the rear limbs. Two of the cats had visual abnormalities including mydriasis, decreased to absent pupillary light responses, and decreased menace response. Arrhythmia and hypokalemia were noted in 2 separate cats.


CONCLUSIONS
Voriconazole has potential neurologic adverse effects in cats. Additional information regarding pharmacokinetics of the drug in this species must be gathered to help determine how it can be dosed most effectively with minimal adverse effects.
Quimby
J M
JM
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA. jqimby@colostate.edu
Hoffman
S B
SB
Duke
J
J
Lappin
M R
MR
D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D002415:Cats; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary; D014230:Triazoles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D065819:Voriconazole
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D011743:Pyrimidines; D014230:Triazoles; D065819:Voriconazole