Are generic and compounded versions of brand name drugs effective? That was the subject of a recent study on the bioequivalance of itraconazole (brand name Sporanox) in dogs, and dog owners and veterinarians alike should take notice.

The study, “Bioequivalence of Orally Administered Generic, Compounded, and Innovator-Formulated Itraconazole in Healthy Dogs,” was published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Researchers concluded:

Neither generic nor compounded itraconazole is bioequivalent to the reference formulation in dogs. However, pharmacokinetic data for generic formulation were similar enough that therapeutic concentrations could be achieved. Compounded itraconazole produced such low plasma concentrations, it is unlikely to be effective; therefore, compounded itraconazole should not be used in dogs.

Mawby, D.I., Whittemore, J.C., Genger, S., Papich, M.G. Bioequivalence of Orally Administered Generic, Compounded, and Innovator-Formulated Itraconazole in Healthy Dogs, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine Jan/Feb 2014. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12219