Macrocyclic lactones: endectocide compounds

LANUSSE, C.; LIFSCHITZ, A.; IMPERIALE, F.

Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (9na. edición)

Wiley-Blackwell

Lugar: Iowa; Año: 2009; p. 1119 - 1144

The avermectin´s discovery and the commercial launch of ivermectin as an ecto-endoparasiticidal agent in the early 80´s were a great breakthrough within Veterinary Therapeutics, which was successfully followed by the development of other avermectin and milbemycin compounds. The MLs from both chemical families combine excellent spectrum with safety, potency and persistence. They are highly efficacious antiparasitic agents for use in a variety of livestock and companion animal species. The observations highlighted in this chapter on the phamacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship for MLs provide pharmacological knowledge required to improve their therapeutic use. Avoiding misuse of the MLs is critical to delay the development of resistance. The integrated assessment of the drug disposition kinetics in the host, the processes of drug diffusion into different target parasites, and the use of pharmaceutical technology to improve drug delivery at the site of infection, are key research areas within the pharmacology of the antiparasitic drugs.