Maduramicin

Maduramicin

Maduramicin is a polyether ionophore antibiotic that is derived from Actinomadura. It is primarily used in the poultry industry as a feed additive to prevent coccidiosis, a parasitic disease of the intestinal tract.

History

Maduramicin was first isolated in 1984 from Actinomadura rubra, a species of actinomycetes, by scientists at Merck & Co.. It was approved for use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1987.

Pharmacology

Maduramicin functions by disrupting the sodium-potassium pump in the cells of the parasite, leading to an imbalance in ion concentrations and ultimately cell death. It is highly effective against all four species of Eimeria that cause coccidiosis in chickens.

Use in Poultry Industry

In the poultry industry, maduramicin is mixed with feed and given to chickens to prevent coccidiosis. It is typically used in a program of rotation with other anticoccidial drugs to prevent the development of drug resistance.

Toxicity

While maduramicin is generally safe for use in chickens, it can be toxic to other species. In particular, it is highly toxic to horses, causing damage to the heart muscle and potentially leading to death.

See Also

• Ionophore
• Coccidiosis
• Actinomadura

• Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? WikiMD's DocFinder can help with millions of doctors!

This article is a stub. Help WikiMD grow by registering to expand it. Editing is available only to registered and verified users. About WikiMD: A comprehensive, free health & wellness encyclopedia.