Alcocci

Indications

Sulfaclozine is a veterinary medicine for animals only, not for human use. It is given mainly to poultry (chickens, turkeys and other birds), and sometimes to rabbits, to treat and control coccidiosis, a parasite infection of the gut that causes bloody droppings, weight loss and deaths in flocks. It also helps against some bacterial infections such as fowl cholera and fowl typhoid.

How It Works

Sulfaclozine is a sulfonamide. It blocks the way coccidia parasites and some bacteria make folic acid, which they need to grow and multiply, so the infection is brought under control.

Dosage and Administration

It is usually supplied as a water-soluble powder mixed into the birds' drinking water. Use the dose, mixing rate and treatment days stated on the product label or set by a veterinarian; courses are commonly a few days, sometimes with a break and a repeat. Prepare fresh medicated water every day and make sure it is the only water available during treatment.

Interactions

Do not give with other sulfonamides or with feed or water already containing other anticoccidial drugs unless a veterinarian advises. Some vitamins or acidifiers in water may affect how it dissolves; follow the label.

Contraindications

• Not for human use
• Do not use in laying birds producing eggs for human consumption, unless the label allows
• Animals with known sensitivity to sulfonamides
• Animals with severe kidney or liver disease

Side Effects

When used as directed it is usually well tolerated. Long courses or overdosing can cause kidney damage, reduced growth, bleeding problems and lower egg production. Birds should have free access to water.

Get urgent veterinary help if birds become weak, stop drinking, show bleeding or die suddenly after treatment. If a person accidentally swallows the product or develops a skin reaction after handling it, seek medical help and show the label.

Pregnancy and Lactation

This is a veterinary product. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid handling the powder where possible and wear gloves. For use in breeding animals, follow veterinary advice.

Precautions and Warnings

Observe the withdrawal period on the label: meat from treated animals must not be used for human food until this period has passed. Avoid inhaling the powder; wear gloves and wash hands after use. People allergic to sulfonamides should not handle it. Do not overdose.

Overdose

Overdosing birds can cause kidney damage, bleeding and deaths. Stop the medicated water and provide clean water; contact a veterinarian.

Therapeutic Class

Veterinary anticoccidial (sulfonamide)

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light, in a closed container, away from food and animal feed, and out of the reach of children.