The effect of breed, sex, and drug concentration on the pharmacokinetic profile of ivermectin in cattle

J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 2020 Sep;43(5):477-484. doi: 10.1111/jvp.12862. Epub 2020 Apr 8.

Abstract

Ivermectin (IVM) is one of the most widely used antiparasitic drugs worldwide and has become the drug of choice for anthelmintic and tick treatment in beef cattle production. It is known that pharmacokinetic parameters are fundamental to the rational use of a drug and food safety and these parameters are influenced by different factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of IVM in Bos indicus, Bos taurus, and crossbreed cattle (B. indicus × B. taurus) kept under same field conditions and the possible impacts of sex and IVM formulation (1% and 3.15%). It was observed that IVM concentration was significantly affected by breed. The plasma concentrations of IVM, AUC, Cmax , and t1/2β were significantly higher in B. indicus compared to B. taurus. Crossbreed animals showed an intermediate profile between European and Indian cattle. No alteration in pharmacokinetics parameters was detected when comparing different gender. Concerning the pharmacokinetic data of IVM formulation, it was verified that Tmax , AUC, and t1/2β were higher in 3.15% IVM animals than those from 1% IVM formulation. The results clearly indicated that the IVM plasma concentrations in B. indicus were higher than that in B. taurus.

Keywords: antiparasitic drug; bovine; livestock; veterinary pharmacology; withdrawal period.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiparasitic Agents / blood
  • Antiparasitic Agents / pharmacokinetics*
  • Area Under Curve
  • Cattle / blood
  • Cattle / classification
  • Cattle / genetics*
  • Cattle / physiology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Half-Life
  • Ivermectin / blood
  • Ivermectin / pharmacokinetics*
  • Male
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • Antiparasitic Agents
  • Ivermectin