Eprinomectin (Topical)

Eprinomectin is an antiparasitic drug of the avermectin class. Avermectins (ivermectin-like drugs), such as eprinomectin and milbemycins (milbemycin and moxidectin), are macrocyclic lactones and share similarities, including mechanism of action. These drugs are neurotoxic to parasites by potentiating glutamate-gated chloride ion channels in parasites. Paralysis and death of the parasite are caused by increased permeability to chloride ions and hyperpolarization of nerve cells. These drugs also potentiate other chloride channels, including ones gated by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Mammals ordinarily are not affected because they lack glutamate-gated chloride channels, and there is a lower affinity for other mammalian chloride channels. Because these drugs ordinarily do not penetrate the blood–brain barrier, GABA-gated channels in the CNS of mammals are not affected. Eprinomectin is active against intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms), mites, bots, heartworm microfilaria, and developing larvae. Eprinomectin can prevent disease caused by the heartworm Dirofilaria immitis. It has no effect on trematode or cestode parasites.