eprinomectin

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

eprinomectin is a macrocyclic lactone anthelmintic, and it is a member of the avermectin/milbemycin class of compounds. This class of compounds is widely used in veterinary medicine to treat parasitic infections in animals.  

Mechanism of Action: 

• Neurotransmission Disruption: eprinomectin exerts its anthelmintic effects by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nerve and muscle cells of parasites. This binding enhances the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions, leading to hyperpolarization of the nerve or muscle cell. The hyperpolarization results in paralysis of the parasites. 
• Inhibition of Neurotransmission: By interfering with neurotransmission, eprinomectin prevents normal muscle function in the parasites. The paralysis affects various types of parasites, making it effective against both gastrointestinal and respiratory nematodes. 

Spectrum of Activity: 

• Gastrointestinal Nematodes: eprinomectin is effective against a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal nematodes, including species such as Haemonchus spp., Ostertagia spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Cooperia spp., and others in various animal species. 
• Lungworms: It is effective against lungworms, including Dictyocaulus spp. 
• Mites and Lice: eprinomectin also demonstrates efficacy against certain mites, such as Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis, as well as lice infestations in livestock. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

N/A

Black Box Warning

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/caution: 

• Species Sensitivity: Some species may be more sensitive to eprinomectin, and it’s important to use the appropriate product for the specific animal species. 
• Age and Weight Restrictions: There may be age and weight restrictions for the use of specific formulations of eprinomectin. It is essential to use the correct product and dosage based on the age and weight of the animal. 
• Health Status: Animals in poor health or with certain medical conditions may have contraindications to eprinomectin.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: Insufficient data available 

Lactation: Excretion of the drug in human breast milk is unknown 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence, these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

eprinomectin is a macrocyclic lactone anthelmintic, belonging to the avermectin/milbemycin class of compounds. It is commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat parasitic infections in livestock, including gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, mites, and lice. 

eprinomectin, like other macrocyclic lactones, exerts its anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) effects by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nerve and muscle cells of parasites. This binding leads to an increase in the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions, causing hyperpolarization and subsequent paralysis of the parasites. The paralysis ultimately results in the expulsion of the parasites from the host organism. 

Spectrum of Activity: 

• Gastrointestinal Roundworms: eprinomectin is effective against various gastrointestinal nematodes, including Haemonchus spp., Ostertagia spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Cooperia spp., and others. 
• Lungworms: It is effective against lungworms, including Dictyocaulus spp. 
• Mites and Lice: eprinomectin has activity against certain mites (such as Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis) and lice infestations in livestock. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

eprinomectin is often administered to animals through topical or injectable routes. 

When applied topically, it can be absorbed through the skin. Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection allows for direct absorption into the bloodstream. 

Distribution 

eprinomectin is lipophilic, meaning it has an affinity for fat tissues. It is distributed extensively in the body tissues. It can cross the blood-brain barrier, which contributes to its efficacy against parasites in the central nervous system. 

Metabolism 

eprinomectin undergoes hepatic metabolism. The metabolism involves the cytochrome P450 system in the liver. 

Elimination and Excretion 

eprinomectin and its metabolites are primarily excreted in the feces.

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Subcutaneous administration 

To obtain the optimal route of administration, animals should be confined suitably. Utilizing a 16 or 18-gauge needle measuring ½ to ¾ inch, inject behind the loose tissue on the front of the shoulders. 

Apply an appropriate disinfectant to the injection site. To limit the risk of injection site infections, use clean, fully cleaned needles.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: eprinomectin 

Why do we use eprinomectin? 

eprinomectin is a macrocyclic lactone anthelmintic widely used in veterinary medicine to control and treat parasitic infections in various animal species. Its primary use is against internal and external parasites.  

• Gastrointestinal Nematodes: eprinomectin is effective against a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal nematodes, including species such as Haemonchus spp., Ostertagia spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Cooperia spp., and others in cattle, sheep, and other ruminants. 
• Lungworms: It is used to treat and control lungworm infections, including those caused by Dictyocaulus spp., in various animal species. 
• Mites and Lice: eprinomectin is effective against certain mites and lice infestations in livestock, including Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis and other species. 
• External Parasites: In addition to mites and lice, eprinomectin may provide control against other external parasites such as horn flies (Haematobia irritans) and sucking lice in cattle. 
• Cattle: eprinomectin is commonly used in cattle for the control of internal and external parasites, including gastrointestinal worms, lungworms, mites, and lice.