Moxidectin
**Moxidectin** is a potent, second-generation macrocyclic lactone (avermectin/milbemycin subclass) antiparasitic agent used extensively in both small and large animal veterinary medicine. Key pharmacological features include: * **Broad-Spectrum Efficacy**: Effective against a wide range of internal nematodes (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, heartworm larvae) and external arthropods (fleas, mites, lice, grubs). * **High Lipophilicity**: Moxidectin is approximately 100 times more lipophilic than ivermectin. This allows for extensive tissue distribution, prolonged half-lives, and the feasibility of sustained-release formulations (e.g., 6-month injectable heartworm preventatives). * **ABCB1 (MDR1) Safety Profile**: While dogs with the ABCB1-1∆ gene mutation are sensitive to macrocyclic lactones, moxidectin at standard FDA-approved labeled doses (topical and oral heartworm prevention) is generally considered safe for these breeds. However, high-dose off-label use (e.g., for demodicosis) can precipitate severe neurotoxicity. It is available in a wide variety of formulations, including topical spot-ons (often combined with imidacloprid), sustained-release injections, oral gels, and pour-on solutions.
Mecanismo: Moxidectin exerts its antiparasitic effects by disrupting the neurological function of invertebrates: * **Glutamate-Gated Chloride Channels (GluCl)**: Moxidectin binds selectively and with high affinity to GluCl channels present in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells → **increases membrane permeability to chloride ions** → causes cellular hyperpolarization → results in flaccid paralysis and death of the parasite. * **GABA Receptors**: It also enhances the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at presynaptic neurons, further blocking post-synaptic stimulation. **Mammalian Safety**: Mammals do not possess GluCl channels. Furthermore, the **P-glycoprotein (P-gp)** efflux pump at the mammalian blood-brain barrier actively prevents moxidectin from entering the central nervous system, protecting mammalian GABA receptors from exposure.
Dosificación por especie
- Prevention of heartworm disease, adult fleas, ear mites, hookworms, and roundworms (Advantage Multi) · 10 mg/kg imidacloprid/1 mg/kg moxidectin once a month by topical administration · topical · q30d · For cats 2-5 lb = 0.23 mL; 5.1-9 lb = 0.4 mL; 9.1-18 lb = 0.8 mL.
- Feline Aelurostrongylosis (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus) · One to three topical applications of 1 mg/kg moxidectin (in combination with imidacloprid) · topical · 1-3 applications
- Flea, mite, nematode treatment and heartworm prevention · 10 mg/kg body weight imidacloprid and 1.0 mg/kg body weight moxidectin · topical · monthly · Ongoing for prevention · Apply via spot-on pipette. Severe effects may be seen if applied to cats with adult heartworm disease.
- Flea/tick control and heartworm/nematode prevention (Bravecto Plus) · 280 mg/ml fluralaner and 14 mg/ml moxidectin (volume based on weight) · topical · q12w for flea/tick control, q8w for heartworm prevention · Ongoing · Not for use in kittens <9 weeks or cats <1.2 kg.
- Internal parasites · 0.2 mg/kg [1 mL per 11 lb (1 mL per 5 kg) bodyweight] PO (drench) · PO · single dose
- Gastrointestinal helminthes in Camelids (NWC) · 0.2 mg/kg · PO · single dose · Regimen of choice for camelids.
- Gastrointestinal parasites (Oral Gel) · Dial in the weight of the animal on the syringe · PO · single dose · Horses weighing more than 1250 lb require additional gel from a second syringe.
Vías de administración
Contraindicaciones
- Hypersensitivity to the drug
- Dogs not tested for heartworm infection prior to use
- Sick, debilitated, or underweight dogs (specifically for the 6-month injectable)
- Female dairy cattle of breeding age
- Horses intended for food purposes
- Foals younger than 4 months of age
- Kittens < 9 weeks of age
- Dogs < 7 weeks of age
- Dogs with Class 4 heartworm disease
- Cats < 1.2 kg (for fluralaner combination)
- Breeding males (for fluralaner combination)
Efectos adversos
- Dogs: Lethargy, vomiting, ataxia, anorexia, diarrhea, nervousness, weakness, polydipsia, pruritus
- Dogs (Injectable): Rare but serious reports of anaphylaxis, liver disease, autoimmune hemolytic disease, convulsions
- Cats: Recumbency (rare)
- Horses: Minimal at labeled doses; CNS depression and coma reported in foals at high doses
- Cattle: Minimal to nonexistent at labeled doses
- Transient pruritus at application site
- Erythema at application site
- Hypersalivation (if licked)
- Emesis and haematemesis
- Diarrhoea
- Lethargy
- Pyrexia
- Tachypnoea
- Mydriasis
- Severe systemic reactions in cats with adult heartworm disease
Interacciones farmacológicas
- Benzodiazepines · Effects may be potentiated by moxidectin; concurrent use is generally not advised.
- P-glycoprotein Inhibitors (Amiodarone, Carvedilol, Clarithromycin, Cyclosporine, Diltiazem, Erythromycin, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Quinidine, Spironolactone, Tamoxifen, Verapamil) · May inhibit the efflux pump at the blood-brain barrier, potentially increasing the risk of moxidectin neurotoxicity, especially in dogs with the ABCB1-1∆ mutation.
- P-glycoprotein substrates · Increased risk of neurological toxicity due to competitive inhibition at the blood-brain barrier · major
- Other macrocyclic lactones · Additive toxicity and increased risk of adverse neurological effects · major
Monitorización
- Heartworm status prior to initiation of therapy
- Fecal egg count reduction testing (FECRT) in horses (target >95% reduction to monitor for resistance)
- Signs of neurotoxicity, especially in herding breeds or animals with low body fat
- Heartworm status (antigen/microfilariae testing) prior to initiating preventative therapy
- Resolution of clinical signs of parasitic infection
- Application site for erythema or pruritus
Sobredosis
Moxidectin generally has a wide margin of safety when administered at labeled doses. * **Dogs**: Dosages up to 300X (1120 mcg/kg) demonstrated little to no effects in normal dogs. However, in dogs with the **ABCB1 (MDR1) mutant genotype**, toxicity can be seen at doses as low as 90 mcg/kg. * **Clinical Signs of Toxicity**: Dysorexia, hypersalivation, mydriasis, fasciculations, ataxia, tremors, seizures, vomiting, hyperesthesia, and recumbency/coma. * **Treatment**: Supportive care. **Intravenous fat emulsion (IVFE)** has been successfully used to treat toxicity associated with macrocyclic lactones due to their highly lipid-soluble nature.
La referencia de fármacos de VetSheet está destinada a veterinarios colegiados como apoyo a la decisión clínica, no sustituye el juicio profesional ni la ficha técnica vigente del fabricante.