What it does
Nitroxinil is a medication used to treat certain parasitic infections in animals.
Commonly used for: parasitic infections in livestock, helminthiasis (worm infections)
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 22:10:57 · updated 2026-03-23 04:56:15
About this medicine
Nitroxinil is a medication used to treat certain parasitic infections in animals.
What it treats
- parasitic infections in livestock
- helminthiasis (worm infections)
How it works
Nitroxinil works by killing parasites and helping to clear the infection from the body.
Who it's for
Nitroxinil is primarily for use in animals, particularly livestock, to treat infections caused by parasites.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: nitroxinil
BNF-referencedNitroxinil is an anthelmintic agent primarily used for the treatment of parasitic infections, particularly in livestock. It is effective against various species of gastrointestinal nematodes and some cestodes. Nitroxinil is also used in veterinary medicine for its efficacy in treating infections caused by flukes and roundworms.
Indications
- Gastrointestinal nematode infections
- Cestode infections
- Liver fluke infections
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosage guidelines in paediatric patients.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosage recommendations based on the condition being treated.
Mechanism of action
Nitroxinil acts by inhibiting energy metabolism in helminths, affecting their ability to maintain homeostasis. It interferes with the parasite's mitochondrial function, leading to depletion of ATP and eventual death of the parasite. This mechanism primarily targets the parasites' energy production pathways.
Pharmacodynamics
Nitroxinil exhibits selective toxicity towards helminths due to differences in mitochondrial biochemistry between the parasites and host cells. Its action leads to paralysis and death of the parasites, facilitating their expulsion from the host organism.
Pharmacokinetics
Nitroxinil is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within a few hours. It is metabolized in the liver, and its metabolites are primarily excreted through the urine and feces. The drug has a relatively short half-life, necessitating multiple doses for sustained therapeutic effect.
Pregnancy
There is limited data on the use of nitroxinil during pregnancy. Caution is advised, and it should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether nitroxinil is excreted in human milk. Caution is recommended when administering to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Keep out of reach of children.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: nitroxinil
PubChem CID 15532Molecular formula: C7H3IN2O3
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.