IVERMECTIN BINDS AVIDLY TO PLASMA-PROTEINS

Human pharmacokinetic data on the new antiparasitic agent, ivermectin, are scanty. For the evaluation of its disposition a specific HPLC assay with sensitive fluorescence detection was developed. Applying equilibrium dialysis, plasma protein binding of ivermectin was measured in five healthy individuals and it averaged 93.2±4.4% (SD). Such strong binding should be taken into consideration, especially in patients with malnutrition or with diseases in which a decrease in plasma proteins and consequently a higher free fraction of ivermectin could be expected. © 1990 Springer-Verlag.