Toltrazuril/DMSO Oral Suspension (Anhydrous)
Toltrazuril/DMSO is a compounded formulation containing Toltrazuril, DMSO, prepared by Mixlab 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.
This compounded formulation combines toltrazuril, an antiprotozoal, with dmso, a solvent and penetration enhancer — two different drug classes. In compounding practice, clinicians may consider a combination like this for a multi-targeted approach. Your veterinarian determines whether it is appropriate based on your animal's diagnostic findings.
At a pharmacological level, the two components function through distinct mechanisms. Toltrazuril acts as an antiprotozoal agent that disrupts the intracellular stages of parasite development by acting on the apicoplast and mitochondria. This interference inhibits the replication and survival of the protozoal organism within the host. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) acts as a potent solvent and carrier that enhances the absorption of co-administered medications. Additionally, DMSO has documented free-radical scavenging properties and may modulate localized inflammatory responses in the central nervous system. This combination acts to leverage the penetrating capabilities of DMSO to deliver toltrazuril where it is needed most. Your veterinarian will determine if this combination is appropriate based on your horse's weight, neurological status and the specific clinical context of the condition.
This description reflects the general pharmacology of the active ingredient's drug class; your veterinarian determines whether this approach is appropriate 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. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.
Commonly observed effects of toltrazuril/DMSO administration include gastrointestinal changes such as loose stools, decreased appetite or a temporary change in the horse’s breath odor, often described as garlic-like, due to the presence of DMSO. Owners may also observe localized skin irritation if the medication comes into contact with the animal’s skin during administration. Because DMSO can facilitate the absorption of other substances, it is critical to ensure the administration area is clean and free of topical contaminants. If you observe significant behavioral changes, persistent diarrhea or signs of physical distress, contact your veterinarian promptly to share these observations.This medication is typically used with extra caution or avoided in horses with known kidney or liver disease, as both components require metabolic processing and excretion. It is also carefully evaluated in pregnant or lactating mares, as the safety profile for developing foals has not been extensively characterized. Before starting a protocol involving toltrazuril/DMSO, ensure your veterinarian has a complete history of all other prescriptions and supplements your horse is receiving. Your veterinarian will monitor your horse's response to ensure the management plan remains suitable for their health status and will provide guidance on patient monitoring throughout the administration period.
Yes. Toltrazuril/DMSO 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. Since specific combinations of these two ingredients may not be available in a single commercial format, Mixlab can compound this medication into various strengths and specialized delivery forms based on the requirements of your veterinarian. The decision between a commercial and compounded product rests with the prescribing veterinarian.
Veterinarians discuss the addition of DMSO because it acts as a carrier that enhances the penetration of medications into deeper tissues, including the central nervous system. This is considered especially important in protozoal cases where the target organisms may be located behind the blood-brain barrier.
Yes, a garlic-like or oyster-like odor on the breath or skin is a commonly observed effect of DMSO as it is metabolized and excreted by the body. This is a transient physiological occurrence and is generally expected during the course of the prescription.
