Diclazuril
Diclazuril is a coccidiostat used in ruminants and poultry and an antiprotozoal used for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis.
Group
Triazine antiprotozoal
Mechanism of Action
Disrupts intracellular apicomplexan parasite development; the precise molecular target is incompletely defined.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coccidiosis | 25 mg/kg | PO | Once |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coccidiosis | 25 mg/kg | PO | Once | |
| Kitten coccidiosis – low-dose alternative | 0.625 mg/kg | PO | Once | Distinct source alternative: 1 mL of 2.5 mg/mL suspension per 4 kg. Not merged with the 25 mg/kg regimen. |
Horses
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis | 1 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h | Up to 28 days; Top-dress oral pellets using the supplied cup. |
Sheep
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamb coccidiosis | 1 mg/kg | PO | Once | Preventive administration around 4-6 weeks when disease is expected; under high challenge a second treatment may be indicated about 3 weeks later. |
Cattle
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calf coccidiosis control | 1 mg/kg | PO | Once | Source regimen is administered 14 days after entry to a high-risk environment; treat all exposed calves in the pen. |
Indications
- Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis
- Coccidiosis
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity; breeding/pregnancy/lactation safety for equine Protazil has not been established.
Interactions
- Safety of equine concurrent therapies is not fully characterised.
Adverse effects
- Occasional severe diarrhoea in highly susceptible lambs; equine adverse effects were uncommon in source trials.
Toxicity
Wide safety margins are reported, but overdose still warrants hydration and renal monitoring.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protazil oral pellets 1.56% | Granules | 15.6 mg / g | PO |
| Vecoxan oral suspension 2.5 mg/mL | Oral Liquid | 2.5 mg / mL | PO |
Monitoring and Administration
Shake suspensions. Treat group exposure and improve housing hygiene for calf/lamb coccidiosis.
For Protazil pellets use the supplied dosing cup; round up to the next weight graduation when the horse lies between marks.
Monitor neurologic response in EPM; parasite treatment does not guarantee complete neurologic recovery.