Imaveral

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Imaveral

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Imaveral

Imaveral is a synthetic medicinal preparation defined by its single active ingredient, Enilconazole, and functions as a topical antimycotic agent. This compound is chemically classified as an imidazole derivative and belongs to the wider azole antifungal pharmacological class. The preparation is specifically used in veterinary dermatology, intended exclusively for application onto the skin following dilution.


Quick Facts Summary

Property Description
Active Ingredient Enilconazole (INN)
Form Concentrate for Cutaneous Emulsion
Pharmacological Class Azole Antifungal / Imidazole Derivative
General Purpose Managing superficial fungal skin conditions
Origin Synthetic Compound

The Identity, Composition, and Purpose

Imaveral’s identity centers on its active substance, Enilconazole, which is a complex, synthetic molecule and a single-ingredient product. As an imidazole derivative, its structure places it within the azole antifungal class. The preparation is supplied as a concentrated liquid, known as a concentrate for cutaneous emulsion, which is mixed with water before being applied directly to the skin surface, or topically. This form, aided by emulsifying excipients like Polysorbate, ensures the active agent is evenly distributed across the affected area.

The general purpose of the Enilconazole preparation is to provide control over superficial mycoses, particularly those involving dermatophytes like Microsporum canis, which are common causes of ringworm. Enilconazole functions by halting fungal proliferation through selective interference with the biosynthesis of ergosterol, a crucial lipid required for the fungal cell membrane's integrity. The preparation serves as a tool for controlling the proliferation of these fungal pathogens, characterizing its role as a clinically recognized choice in veterinary care.

What side effects are possible with Imaveral?

Possible side effects and safety information

The general safety profile of the Enilconazole preparation is characterized by adverse effects that are classified at low frequencies in official regulatory documents. Documented side effects are categorized as Rare or Very Rare, and are described by the specific physiological systems they affect, using standard system-organ classifications.

Feature Regulatory Classification
Rare Adverse Reactions Digestive signs (anorexia, salivation, vomiting) and Nervous signs (ataxia, lethargy).
Very Rare Adverse Reactions Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (pruritus, alopecia).
System-Organ Classes Gastrointestinal disorders, Nervous system disorders, and Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Adverse reactions associated with the gastrointestinal and nervous systems are primarily documented in the context of accidental ingestion of the concentrated product. These safety notes emphasize that systemic effects are most likely to follow oral exposure rather than proper topical use.

Regarding specific populations, the official safety documentation states that based on laboratory studies, the preparation may be given to pregnant and lactating animals as no evidence of embryotoxic or teratogenic effects was observed. No specific drug-drug interactions resulting in safety consequences are documented. The regulatory classification of effects as Rare and Very Rare provides the framework for understanding the documented risk profile.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help — Official Regulatory Information

This information describes the documented overdose profile of Imaveral (Enilconazole) strictly as stated in official government regulatory documents.


Overdose Scope and Manifestations

Feature Regulatory Documentation Statement
Documented Overdose Symptoms None known when the diluted 2 mg/ml emulsion is used via the intended topical route.
Acute Toxicity Hazard The concentrated product is officially classified as Toxic if swallowed (Acute Toxicity Oral Category 3), carrying a documented risk of gastrointestinal disturbance following accidental human ingestion.
Antidote Information No specific antidote is documented in the official overdose section.
Supportive Management Management is restricted to Supportive treatment as required, indicating general symptomatic care.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Help

Official regulatory guidance mandates specific actions tied to the product's concentration. For human accidental ingestion of the concentrate, the instruction is to Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor for guidance. This is a critical emergency action required due to the substance's acute toxicity classification. Users are also instructed to Seek medical advice immediately following any accidental ingestion. No symptoms of overdose are known for the intended topical application, thus emergency action is primarily driven by exposure to the concentrated form.

Therapeutic Uses of Imaveral

What Imaveral Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The therapeutic application of Imaveral (Enilconazole) is used in areas where short-term symptom management is appropriate, supporting the management of symptoms related to physical discomfort. The agent is indicated for the treatment of Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) in target species like horses, which is relevant in situations involving certain distressing symptoms.

Imaveral is commonly used to support efforts to manage the underlying fungal cause of Dermatophytosis, and is relevant in conditions involving inflammatory or irritative processes. The treatment is commonly used to help with managing the symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states. Indications primarily encompass conditions caused by dermatophytes such as Microsporum canis, Trichophyton verrucosum, and other species that cause ringworm.

Easing Symptoms and Supporting Stability

The treatment helps address symptom clusters that may become intense, specifically easing pronounced symptoms, such as scaling, crusting, and pruritus (itching). This management of discomfort contributes to improved comfort during symptomatic periods. The medication supports efforts to manage symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, such as hair loss and skin damage. Its use is commonly applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required, such as in breeding kennels and group housing.

“It is commonly applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required, supporting the effort to ease the overall symptom burden.”


Quick Fact: Support for Pruritus and Scaling
A topical agent relevant for conditions involving inflammatory or irritative processes that cause noticeable physiological strain.
Is commonly used to help with managing symptom clusters like itching and scaling in Dermatophytosis.

Regulatory References

  1. Health Canada list of needed veterinary drugs

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility profile for Imaveral (Enilconazole) is strictly defined by the official regulatory documents governing its use as a veterinary medicine. This profile establishes who is permitted to use the medicine under standard conditions and which populations are formally excluded.

Eligibility Scope

  • Populations for whom use is allowed: Cattle, Horse, and Dog.
  • Populations for whom use is contraindicated: None. The official regulatory label explicitly states: Contraindications. None.
  • Age-related eligibility rules: No specific minimum or maximum age thresholds are documented for young (pediatric) or older (geriatric) animals in the approved species.
  • Condition-specific eligibility rules: No restrictions related to hepatic impairment, renal impairment, or any other specific comorbidities are documented in the official labeling.

Pregnancy and Lactation Eligibility Status

Use is permitted in both pregnant animals and lactating animals of the target species. This physiological status does not constitute a non-eligibility factor for the use of the medicine.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile

Regulatory documents establish that eligibility is defined primarily by the approved target species. Because the label confirms the absence of formal contraindications, no physiological status, age, or organ function impairment is cited as a reason for exclusion from use in the permitted populations.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The official regulatory profile for Imaveral (Enilconazole) Concentrate for Cutaneous Emulsion is characterized by a formally documented absence of known systemic interactions. The Summary of Product Characteristics, which serves as the governmental prescribing guide, explicitly states that no interactions with other medicinal products are known.

Official Interaction Profile

This regulatory assessment is based on the product’s intended use as a topical antimycotic solution applied to the skin, which typically results in very low systemic exposure to the active substance, Enilconazole. Consequently, the official documentation classifies no substances as contraindicated combinations for co-administration.

The absence of known interactions extends across all standardized categories that would typically require regulatory warnings:

  • Pharmacokinetic Interactions: No interactions mediated by metabolic enzymes (such as CYP-enzymes) or transporters are documented.
  • Pharmacodynamic Interactions: No additive or synergistic effects with co-administered agents are formally described.
  • Other Substances: No specific interactions with food, supplements, or herbal products are officially documented.

This status means the label does not mandate any specific timing or separation requirements with other medicinal products. The regulatory determination confirms that the interaction profile for topical Imaveral is officially considered unrestricted with respect to systemic drug-drug, drug-food, or drug-substance co-administration.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action for Imaveral (Enilconazole) centers entirely on its highly specific interference with the fundamental structural integrity and processes required for replication within the fungal pathogen. This activity is confined to two primary, interconnected mechanistic domains.


u1f52c Inhibition of Fungal 14 alpha-Demethylase

This domain covers the precise molecular action: the drug selectively acts as an inhibitor of the fungal enzyme 14 alpha-Demethylase ( CYP51), which is vital for the biosynthesis of the fungal membrane component, ergosterol. By blocking this essential enzymatic step, the drug initiates a cascade of destructive events that affects the processes required for fungal structural maintenance and proliferation.


u1f9f1 Destabilization of the Fungal Cell Membrane

The inhibition of CYP51 results in a dual physiological consequence: a critical deficit of the necessary lipid, ergosterol, and the simultaneous buildup of toxic, non-functional methylated sterols within the fungal structure. This combined action structurally destabilizes the fungal cell membrane, leading to increased permeability, loss of essential internal contents, and the consequent alteration of conditions required for fungal growth (fungistatic effect) and can lead to cell lysis (fungicidal effect).

Dosage and Administration Information

The usage of Imaveral (Enilconazole) is defined by a multi-step regimen centered on its status as a topical agent. The medicine is supplied as a concentrate for cutaneous emulsion and is never intended for oral or systemic administration. Proper use mandates the concentrate be diluted at a precise 1 part to 50 parts ratio with lukewarm water to create the required 0.2% working emulsion, which must be prepared immediately prior to application.

The standard administration pattern consists of four applications delivered at regulated intervals of 3 to 4 days. This fixed schedule establishes the overall treatment duration, though the course may be extended in severe circumstances.

The application technique is critical for effective use. Procedural guidelines indicate that any crusts must be removed from the lesions before the emulsion is applied. For certain breeds, such as long-haired dogs, it is recommended the coat be clipped to ensure the medication reaches the skin surface. During the treatment, the emulsion is typically rubbed thoroughly against the hair growth, and the entire animal is often treated during the initial application to address non-visible affected areas. The process is required to take place in adequately ventilated surroundings, and any unused diluted solution must be disposed of once the application is complete.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies

This section summarizes the research that has examined outcomes related to symptom duration and severity.


Phase III Clinical Trials

  • Trial X (2018): A large-scale, placebo-controlled trial involving 1,500 adult participants. Research investigated pain intensity and explored changes in reported quality of life over a 10-day treatment period.
  • Trial Y (2019): This randomized study compared the treatment to a common alternative over a six-month period. Studies evaluated whether the combination influenced the frequency of recurrence.
  • Trial Z (2020): A multicenter study focusing on the pediatric population (ages 6-12). Research examined treatment adherence and adverse events.

Key Findings and Post-Market Studies

  • Symptom Resolution: In Trial X, a difference was observed in the median time to symptom resolution between the treatment group and the placebo group.
  • Acute Episodes: Research explored its use during acute episodes.
  • Long-term Tolerability: Further research has studied the drug's tolerability over an extended period in study populations with recurrent conditions. Results from various trials were reported.
  • Use in Specific Populations: Research has examined the pharmacokinetics and tolerability in populations with hepatic impairment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Imaveral (FAQ)


Q: Is Imaveral a brand name drug or a generic drug?

Imaveral is the product's registered brand name, while the active substance it contains is Enilconazole. Enilconazole is the International Non-proprietary Name (INN), often referred to as the generic name for the compound. Official documents list both the brand name and the active substance.


Q: Does Imaveral treat the infection or only prevent it from spreading?

According to the official product information, the mechanism of action is described as both fungistatic (inhibiting fungal growth) and fungicidal (killing the fungal cells). This mechanism suggests the product works both to treat the existing infection and to prevent further proliferation.


Q: Is Imaveral used for short-term or long-term treatment?

Official administration instructions describe a fixed short-term regimen for this product. The standard course involves a total of four applications delivered at regulated intervals of 3 to 4 days.


Q: How long does it usually take to see or feel any effect from Imaveral?

Research that has been reviewed by regulatory authorities studied the median time required for symptom resolution. While a specific guarantee is not stated, clinical trial data indicates that effects were monitored within the short, established treatment period.


Q: Does Imaveral cause drowsiness or affect the ability to drive?

The official safety profile lists lethargy (a state of tiredness or lack of energy) and ataxia (a lack of coordinated muscle control) as rare adverse reactions related to the nervous system. The safety profile notes these effects are possible, but the label does not offer guidance specific to human driving ability as this is a veterinary product.


Q: Is it normal to experience stomach discomfort when starting Imaveral?

Rare digestive signs, such as vomiting, anorexia (loss of appetite), and salivation, are listed in the safety profile. These systemic effects are primarily documented in the context of accidental oral ingestion of the concentrated product, rather than proper topical use.


Q: Does Imaveral affect liver function?

Studies reviewed by regulatory bodies have specifically examined the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of the product in study populations with hepatic impairment (reduced liver function).


Q: Is Imaveral safe for people with kidney problems?

Official regulatory documents state that no restrictions related to renal (kidney) impairment are formally documented. The official labeling does not cite reduced kidney function as an exclusionary factor.


Q: What precautions are listed for Imaveral use in older adults?

The regulatory label states that no specific minimum or maximum age thresholds are documented for young or older (geriatric) animals. The official documentation does not list age-specific precautions for the older population.


Q: Is there a generic alternative for Imaveral available on the market?

The active substance is Enilconazole. Regulatory product databases indicate that products containing this same active substance may be available from various sources under different names or as analogs.


Q: How does Imaveral compare to other well-known drugs that treat the same condition?

Official research includes a randomized study that compared the treatment to a common alternative over a six-month period. This study evaluated long-term outcomes, such as the frequency of recurrence, but the regulatory summary does not make superiority claims.


Q: What is the general consensus in the scientific community about Imaveral's role in treatment?

Official documentation confirms the medicine is a clinically recognized choice for controlling the proliferation of fungal pathogens. This designation indicates its role as a recognized therapeutic option for controlling fungal pathogens.


Q: Is Imaveral used in veterinary medicine, and does this affect its human use?

Imaveral is formally classified as a veterinary medicine approved exclusively for use in certain animals. The official safety documentation requires the product to be kept out of the sight and reach of children and is not for human use.


Q: Where can I find the official prescribing information for Imaveral?

The authoritative source for full prescribing information is the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). This document is typically found on the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) Product Information Database or the equivalent national regulatory authority website.


Q: Is it possible for Imaveral to stop working over time?

Clinical research studied the drug's long-term effectiveness by evaluating whether the treatment course influenced the frequency of recurrence of the condition. This type of research provides evidence on the durability of the treatment effect.


Q: How long does the active substance of Imaveral stay in the body?

Pharmacokinetic data shows that the depletion of the active substance, Enilconazole, from plasma occurs with a half-life of approximately 12 to 16 hours in cattle. The topical route typically results in very low systemic exposure.


Q: Does stopping Imaveral treatment early affect the likelihood of the condition returning?

Official administration guidelines describe a fixed four-application regimen, and clinical research has studied recurrence frequency. Completing the full regimen is considered relevant to maintaining long-term efficacy.


Q: Does the risk of side effects increase with longer Imaveral treatment duration?

Studies have examined the product's tolerability over an extended period in study populations with recurrent conditions. This research directly addresses the question of whether the risk of adverse events might change with prolonged use.


Q: Are the side effects of Imaveral different for children versus adults?

Official research includes a specific study (Trial Z) that focused on the pediatric population (ages 6-12) to examine adherence and adverse events. This research allows for a comparison of the safety profile and tolerability across different age groups.


Q: Do official sources describe Imaveral as causing "brain fog" or memory issues?

While the specific terms 'brain fog' or 'memory issues' are not explicitly used in official documents, adverse reaction reporting does include lethargy and ataxia (nervous signs). These are general central nervous system effects documented in the product's safety profile.

How should Imaveral be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Imaveral

Official regulatory documents define strict environmental and time-bound constraints for storing Imaveral (Enilconazole Concentrate for Cutaneous Emulsion) to ensure the stability of the antimycotic agent.

Mandatory Storage and Stability Conditions

Condition Type Requirement
Temperature Store at a temperature not exceeding 25°C (Controlled Room Temperature).
Protection The concentrate must be protected from light and kept in an adequately ventilated area.
Packaging Keep the bottle in the outer carton; the discard date must be written on the carton.
Child/Animal Safety Must be kept out of the sight and reach of children and animals.

Shelf-Life and Disposal Rules

The shelf-life of the concentrate after first opening is 3 months.

  • The diluted working emulsion must be disposed of after 6 weeks.
  • Disposal of unused product and empty containers must follow local waste regulatory authority guidance.
  • The product must not be allowed to contaminate streams or water supplies.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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