Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antiprotozoal, triazine
ATCvet code: QP51AJ01.
Pharmacodynamic properties
Toltrazuril is an anticoccidial of the triazinetrione group, active against Eimeria spp. Toltrazuril induces changes in the fine structure of the developmental stages of coccidia. These are caused primarily by swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum and of the Golgi apparatus, abnormal changes to the perinuclear space and disturbances in
cell division. Toltrazuril causes a decrease in the activity of respiratory chain enzymes in the parasites.
Pharmacokinetic particulars
After oral administration, toltrazuril undergoes at least 50% absorption in poultry. The highest concentrations are to be found in the liver and kidneys of the poultry. The active substance is broken down rapidly. The main metabolite is toltrazuril sulfone.