Pharmacotherapeutic group: Anthelmintic 3-AV
ATC Vet Code: QP54 AA 01
Pharmacodynamic properties
Ivermectin is a 22,23-dihydro derivative of an avermectin (which is a fermentation product produced by Streptomyces avermitilis) and consists of 2 homologues: B1a and B1b. It is a highly effective parasiticide with nematocidal, insecticidal and acaricidal activity documented in a wide range of domesticated animals.
Avermectins interact with glutamate-gated chloride ion channels, to increase membrane permeability to chloride ions, causing irreversible neuromuscular blockade in nematodes, followed by paralysis and death.
Pharmacokinetic properties
After administration orally to sheep at a dose of 200 µg/kg, the maximum plasma concentration of ivermectin was 5.99 µg/ml at 16.2 hours after administration and the elimination half-life was approximately 25 hours.