Avermectins, antiparasitic action

This class of macrolide antibiotic has mostly antiparasitic activity. Avermectin Bia (45) and ivermectin (46) (O Scheme 18) are used mostly in veterinary medicine, however, some semisynthetic derivatives are also used for treatment of onchocerciasis in humans [59]. The action of avermectin is believed to stimulate specific chloride ion transport systems increasing the membrane permeability to Cl ions via GABA (y-butyrate) receptors and non-GABA receptors [60]. 

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