Robenidine

Robenidine

Robenidine is an antibiotic and coccidiostat that is used in veterinary medicine. It is primarily used in the poultry industry to control coccidiosis, a parasitic disease that affects the intestinal tract of animals.

History

Robenidine was first synthesized in the 1960s by Janssen Pharmaceutica, a Belgian pharmaceutical company. It was initially developed as a treatment for coccidiosis in chickens, but its use has since expanded to include other types of poultry.

Mechanism of Action

Robenidine works by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of coccidia, a group of microscopic parasites that cause coccidiosis. It does this by interfering with the parasites' ability to synthesize DNA, which is essential for their growth and reproduction.

Use in Veterinary Medicine

In veterinary medicine, robenidine is used to prevent and treat coccidiosis in poultry. It is typically administered in the feed, and its use is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Europe.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, robenidine can have side effects. These can include reduced feed intake, weight loss, and decreased egg production in poultry. However, these side effects are generally rare and occur only at high doses.

Regulatory Status

In the United States, robenidine is approved by the FDA for use in chickens and turkeys. In Europe, it is approved by the EMA for use in chickens, turkeys, and rabbits.

See Also

• Coccidiosis
• Antibiotics in animal feed
• Veterinary medicine