Pharmacodynamic properties
ATC Vet Code: QP52AG09
Flukiver Oral Suspension contains the salicylanilide closantel, a synthetic antiparasitic agent with high efficacy against liver fluke and haematophagous nematodes in sheep and goats and against the larval stages of some arthropods in sheep.
Closantel uncouples the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation resulting in inhibition of ATP synthesis. This induces a marked change in the energy metabolism of the parasite which finally kills it.
Pharmacokinetic particulars
Closantel is rapidly absorbed into the systemic circulation with peak plasma levels at 24-48 hours after dosing. The bioavailability of an oral dose is 50 % of a parenteral one. In plasma, closantel is bound to albumin for more than 99 %. As a result, tissue distribution is very limited. On average, tissue levels are 15 times lower than plasma levels. The elimination half-life of closantel from plasma and tissues is approximately 2 to 4 weeks in sheep and about 8 days in goats. Closantel is metabolised only to a slight extent and the main excretion route is the bile. The urinary excretion is negligible.