Toltrazuril Explained

Toltrazuril is an antiparasitic medication used primarily to treat coccidiosis in animals. Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by coccidia, which are microscopic, spore-forming, single-celled obligate intracellular parasites belonging to the apicomplexan class Conoidasida.^{[1] [2] [3]}

Mechanism of action

Toltrazuril works by interfering with the protozoa's ability to reproduce. It disrupts the division of the protozoal nucleus and damages the cell membrane of the parasites. This action results in the destruction of the coccidia at all stages of their life cycle.^[4]

Use in veterinary medicine

Toltrazuril is widely used in veterinary medicine to treat coccidiosis in various animals, including poultry, pigs, cattle, sheep, and companion animals like dogs and cats. It is often administered as a single dose or in a series of doses depending on the severity of the infection and the species being treated.^{[5] [6]}

Notes and References

1. Diaferia M, Veronesi F, Morganti G, Nisoli L, Fioretti DP . Efficacy of toltrazuril 5 % suspension (Baycox®, Bayer) and diclazuril (Vecoxan®, Janssen-Cilag) in the control of Eimeria spp. in lambs . Parasitology Research . 112 . Suppl 1 . 163–168 . August 2013 . 23756962 . 10.1007/s00436-013-3440-1 . free .
2. Web site: Toltrazuril - referral . European Medicines Agency . 2024-07-01 .
3. Hawkins MG . Advances in exotic mammal clinical therapeutics. . Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine . January 2014 . 23 . 1 . 39–49 . 10.1053/j.jepm.2013.11.006 . Toltrazuril, a broad-spectrum anticoccidial drug, is effective against both schizont and gamont stages of Eimeria spp. .
4. Gjerde B, Helle O . Efficacy of toltrazuril in the prevention of coccidiosis in naturally infected lambs on pasture . Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica . 27 . 1 . 124–137 . 1986 . 3751809 . 8189374 . 10.1186/BF03548565 . free .
5. Ocal N, Yagci BB, Duru SY, Kul OG . Toltrazuril treatment for acute clinical coccidiosis in hair goat kids: clinical pathological, haematologic and biochemical findings . Medycyna Weterynaryjna . January 2007 . 63 . 7 . 805 . 1 July 2024.
6. Mathis GF, Froyman R, Irion T, Kennedy T . Coccidiosis control with toltrazuril in conjunction with anticoccidial medicated or nonmedicated feed . Avian Diseases . 47 . 2 . 463–9 . 2003 . 12887207 . 10.1637/0005-2086(2003)047[0463:CCWTIC]2.0.CO;2 .