Ponazuril

Ponazuril

Ponazuril is an antiprotozoal agent used primarily in the treatment of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), a disease caused by the protozoan Sarcocystis neurona. It is a derivative of toltrazuril, which is used in veterinary medicine to treat coccidiosis, a parasitic disease affecting the intestinal tract of animals.

Pharmacology

Ponazuril works by inhibiting the pyrimidine synthesis of the protozoan, thereby preventing its reproduction and spread. It is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body, concentrating in the central nervous system, where S. neurona is most commonly found.

Usage

Ponazuril is administered orally, usually in the form of a paste. The typical dosage for horses is 5 mg/kg once daily for 28 days. It is also used off-label in small animals, such as dogs and cats, to treat coccidiosis and other protozoal infections.

Side Effects

Side effects of ponazuril are rare but may include loss of appetite, lethargy, and diarrhea. In horses, it may also cause mild colic or loose stools.

Research

Research into the use of ponazuril for other protozoal diseases is ongoing. It has shown promise in the treatment of toxoplasmosis in cats and neosporosis in dogs.

See Also

• Antiprotozoal agent
• Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis
• Sarcocystis neurona
• Toltrazuril