Use of 6-amino-9-(substituted benzyl)purines and their corresponding N{HU 1{B -oxides as coccidiostats

Novel 6-amino-9-(substituted benzyl)purines are prepared by allowing an appropriate substituted benzyl halide, e.g., a substituted benzyl chloride, to react with adenine under the appropriate conditions. Oxidation of the resulting purine derivatives yields the corresponding N1-oxides. These compounds, i.e., both the purine derivatives and the N1-oxides thereof, have anti-coccidial activity and are useful for controlling cecal and/or intestinal coccidiosis when administered in minor quantities to animals, in particular to poultry, usually in admixture with animal sustenance.