Diclazuril Oral Suspension (Anhydrous)
Diclazuril is an FDA-approved preparation containing Diclazuril, for veterinary use. Available by prescription.
How to Give Anhydrous Oral Suspension
Oral Suspension (Anhydrous) is a liquid medication that does not contain water in its base. This might be an oil-based or other special base to help stabilize the medicine. It will look like a regular liquid medication, but often needs a good shake because the drug can settle. Here's how to give it:
- Shake well each time to mix the medication (5-10 seconds).
- Measure the dose using the syringe/dropper provided or one recommended by your vet. Insert the top of the oral syringe into the bottle adapter. Turn the bottle upside down and pull the plunger until the medicine reaches the volume required
- Hold your pet steady: a towel or helper can assist with squirmy pets.
- Administer the dose slowly into the side of the mouth. Allow small pauses if needed for swallowing.
- Raise the head slightly to help the medication go down and clean any spills with a little water or tissue.
- Praise your pet and offer a treat or water (unless advised against feeding right after).
- Clean the syringe with water immediately after use. Store the bottle as directed, out of sunlight.
- Consistency is key: Shake each time, measure accurately, and contact your vet if any issues arise.
Veterinarians most commonly consider diclazuril when a horse is presented with clinical signs of Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM). It is frequently a point of discussion during the diagnostic workup for patients exhibiting localized muscle atrophy, ataxia or unexplained weakness where the presence of Sarcocystis neurona is a clinical objective. By targeting the life cycle of the protozoa, your veterinarian can manage the parasitic burden within the central nervous system.
At a pharmacological level, diclazuril acts as an antiprotozoal agent by disrupting the metabolic pathways of the parasite. While its precise mechanism continue to be studied, it is characterized by its ability to interfere with the function of the apicoplast—a specialized organelle essential for the parasite’s survival and replication. Diclazuril is highly lipophilic, which facilitates its movement across the blood-brain barrier to reach the tissues where the protozoa reside. Your veterinarian will determine whether diclazuril is appropriate based on the horse’s weight, neurological status and specific diagnostic findings.
The actions described here reflect the product's FDA-approved labeling; your veterinarian determines the appropriate use for your animal.
Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring.
Commonly observed effects of diclazuril administration are generally infrequent but may include mild gastrointestinal changes such as loose stools or a temporary decrease in appetite. Some horses may exhibit transient behavioral shifts or localized skin irritation. Because diclazuril is often used in the context of neurological health, your veterinarian will monitor for any initial exacerbation of clinical signs, which is sometimes observed as the body responds to the targeted parasitic life stages. If you observe significant stumbling, persistent diarrhea or signs of an allergic reaction, contact your veterinarian promptly.
This medication is typically used with caution in breeding, pregnant or lactating mares, as the safety profile for developing foals has not been extensively characterized. It is essential to provide your veterinarian with a complete history of all other prescriptions and supplements your horse is receiving to ensure a comprehensive management approach. Your veterinarian is the right person to design a monitoring plan and provide guidance on the duration of use required to support your horse’s individual health status. Always follow professional direction regarding follow-up examinations and environmental management to support recovery.
Yes. Diclazuril is a prescription medication and can only be dispensed by a licensed pharmacy upon receipt of a valid authorization from a licensed veterinarian. Mixlab verifies all prescriptions before any medication is prepared or sent to your home or stable.
Yes. While diclazuril is available in certain commercial pellet formats, Mixlab can compound this medication into specialized strengths or alternative dosage forms—such as flavored oral pastes or powders—if your veterinarian determines a customized preparation better suits your horse's needs. The decision between a commercial and compounded product rests with the prescribing veterinarian.
Veterinarians most frequently consider diclazuril for the management of Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM). It is used to address the intracellular protozoal parasites that can cause neurological clinical signs like lack of coordination, muscle loss or weakness in horses.
Owners should monitor for mild digestive changes like loose manure or a change in eating habits. Since the medication is used for neurological conditions, you should also observe your horse’s coordination and energy levels, reporting any significant changes or new behaviors to your veterinarian immediately.
