Identity

Monensin Sodium is an active therapeutic medicine and polyether ionophore used within the poultry sector to target specific parasitic infections.

Overview

Monensin Sodium is a critical therapeutic anticoccidial used in the Indian poultry industry. Produced by the fermentation of Streptomyces cinnamonensis, it is specifically indicated for the prevention and treatment of Coccidiosis, targeting Eimeria species. To ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory standards, its administration requires a statutory withdrawal period of 3 days. It exhibits a very narrow safety margin and is highly toxic to non-target species like equines and turkeys.

Structured Facts

Indications

Coccidiosis, Eimeria species (E. tenella, E. acervulina, E. maxima, E. necatrix).

Mechanism of Action

Acts as an ion-transporting antibiotic, forming lipid-soluble complexes with monovalent cations (specifically sodium and potassium). By facilitating their uncontrolled transport across the coccidial cellular membrane, it disrupts osmotic equilibrium, forcing an influx of water into the parasite and causing swelling and osmotic lysis of sporozoites and merozoites.

Dosage

90-110 g/ton of feed.

Administration Route

Feed.

Withdrawal Period

3 Days (India/EU); 1 day (FDA standard).

Contraindications

Must never be administered alongside CYP3A inhibitors such as tiamulin. Highly toxic and contraindicated for non-target species like equines and turkeys.

Adverse Effects

Toxicity presents as acute skeletal and myocardial myodegeneration, resulting in severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and high mortality.

Quantitative Data

• Dose: 90-110 g/ton
• Withdrawal: 3 Days

Relationships

• Target Diseases: Coccidiosis (Eimeria species).
• Related Medicines: Narasin, Maduramicin Ammonium.
• Drug Interactions: Lethal interaction with tiamulin due to inhibition of its biotransformation via the Cytochrome P450 pathway.