Milbemycin

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Milbemycin is a group of macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic agents that are derived from the fermentation products of Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. aureolacrimosus. Milbemycins are used in veterinary medicine for the treatment and prevention of parasitic infections in animals.

History[edit | edit source]

Milbemycin was first isolated in the 1970s from the fermentation broth of Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. aureolacrimosus. The compound was found to have potent antiparasitic activity, leading to its development as a veterinary drug.

Pharmacology[edit | edit source]

Milbemycins work by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls) in the nerve and muscle cells of parasites, causing paralysis and death of the parasite. They are effective against a wide range of parasites, including nematodes, arthropods, and ectoparasites.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Milbemycins are used in veterinary medicine to treat and prevent a variety of parasitic infections, including heartworm disease, flea infestations, and intestinal worms. They are also used in combination with other drugs to treat and prevent a wider range of parasitic infections.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Side effects of milbemycin can include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. In rare cases, milbemycin can cause serious neurological side effects, including tremors, seizures, and death.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Milbemycin Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD