Ponazuril

Description

Ponazuril was the first FDA approved treatment for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. It works by killing protozoal parasites, including Sarcocystis neurona, which is responsible for causing equine protozoal myeloencephalitis.

Usage

Ponazuril is an effective treatment for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis because it crosses the blood/brain barrier, enabling the drug to reach effective levels in the central nervous system and kill the migrating parasite responsible for the disease in the spinal cord.

Dosage and Administration

Side Effects

Mild side effects include loose manure, occasional loss of appetite, weight loss, mild colic, blisters of the mouth and nose, skin rash, and hives.

Precautions

The manufacturer notes that although ponazuril will "effectively clear the horse of S. neurona, it may have no effect on irreparable, pre-existing central nervous system damage caused by the protozoal parasite prior to treatment.".

Relapse is sometimes a problem for horses after treatment and veterinarians are not in agreement about how best to treat these horses.

Many veterinarians increase the recommended length of treatment from 28 days to double that length of time, or 56 days.

Ponazuril is an FDA approved drug for use in horses and is a prescription drug. U. S. federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian.

Ponazuril would be prohibited in any drug-free competition. It is important to check with the individual regulatory group.

Interactions

Drug literature gives no information about drug interactions with this medication.

Overdose

No specific information is available about overdose in horses.