Toltrazuril

Toltrazuril is a triazinetrione antiprotozoal with activity against several intracellular coccidial stages. Veterinary applications include prevention or treatment of coccidiosis in livestock and extra-label treatment in companion animals. Its sulfone metabolite is ponazuril, which is also supplied as a separate drug with its own clinical evidence and formulations.

Group

Triazinone anticoccidial

Mechanism of Action

Toltrazuril damages intracellular parasite structures involved in nuclear division, mitochondrial activity and other developmental functions. These effects disrupt schizogony and gametogony and reduce successful parasite multiplication and oocyst production. The precise molecular targets remain incompletely defined. Conversion to active metabolites contributes to sustained antiprotozoal exposure in some species.

Dose Rates

Dogs

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Coccidiosis	15 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Up to 6 days; Course 3-6 days.
Coccidiosis	10–30 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days; Separate published alternative; shortest course 1-3 days for the 10-30 mg/kg regimen.
Coccidiosis	20 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days; Separate published alternative; shortest course 1-3 days for the 10-30 mg/kg regimen.
Puppy coccidiosis control	10–20 mg/kg	PO	Once	Puppies at 3-4 weeks; treat the exposed group as part of hygiene control.

Cats

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Coccidiosis	30 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days; For the 30 mg/kg alternative the course is 2-3 days.
Coccidiosis	20 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days; For the 30 mg/kg alternative the course is 2-3 days.
Toxoplasma oocyst shedding	5–10 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Up to 2 days; Targets the enteroepithelial cycle; not an established systemic toxoplasmosis regimen.

Sheep

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Coccidiosis	20 mg/kg	PO	Once

Birds

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Raptor coccidiosis	7 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days; Course 2-3 days.

Bearded dragons

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Coccidial parasitism	5–15 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days

Chickens

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Coccidiosis	7 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Up to 2 days; Administer through drinking water using measured flock weight and water intake.

Indications

Prevention or treatment of coccidiosis in piglets, calves, lambs or poultry using a corresponding species-specific product.
Extra-label treatment of Cystoisospora-associated coccidiosis in puppies or kittens.
Suppression of the oocyst-shedding stage of Toxoplasma gondii infection in selected cats, with regimen-specific evidence.
Treatment of selected coccidial infections in exotic veterinary species with a supported protocol.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to toltrazuril; food-animal milk and egg restrictions are formulation-specific.

Adverse effects

Gastrointestinal upset; reduced water intake at excessive doses.

Toxicity

Provide supportive treatment; overdosing water medication may reduce intake and cause underhydration.

Preparations

Preparation	Form	Strength	Route
Toltracure-2.5 oral solution International Health Care Limited Poultry drinking-water solution, not an injection.	Oral Liquid	25 mg / mL	PO
Toltrazuril 2.5% oral solution - Better Pharma Better Pharma Co. Ltd. Poultry drinking-water presentation; registry evidence does not establish current registration renewal.	Oral Liquid	25 mg / mL	PO

Monitoring and Administration

Shake suspensions and distinguish individual-animal suspensions from alkaline poultry drinking-water concentrates.

For 2.5% water solution, prepare fresh medicated water daily; overly concentrated dilution can precipitate. Do not assume a poultry concentrate is a suitable oral product for every species.