Ponazuril

Ponazuril is a triazinetrione anti-protozoal drug. Other drugs within the triazine group include diclazuril and toltrazuril. Ponazuril is an active metabolite of toltrazuril; the alternate chemical name for ponazuril is toltrazuril sulfone. Ponazuril has broad spectrum activity against coccidia and protozoa. In 2011, the European Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use approved a combination product of toltrazuril and emodepside for use in the dog to treat mixed parasitic infections of roundworms and coccidia. This product is not available in the United States. In the United States, there is an FDA approved paste form of ponazuril (Marquis) that is used to treat Sarcocystis neurona in horses.

Ponazuril Side Effects

• The most common side effects are mild gastro-intestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea.
• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) has been reported in some dogs, particularly in breeds with a predisposition to KCS.

Precautions

Safety during pregnancy or lactation has not been studied. In one study performed on stallions there was no effect on spermatogenesis.

Drug Interactions

No information regarding drug interactions was found.