What it does
Abamectin is a medication used to treat certain parasitic infections.
Commonly used for: parasitic infections, scabies, river blindness (onchocerciasis)
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-03-12 00:01:13 · updated 2026-09-28 03:32:25
About this medicine
Abamectin is a medication used to treat certain parasitic infections.
What it treats
- parasitic infections
- scabies
- river blindness (onchocerciasis)
How it works
Abamectin works by paralyzing and killing certain parasites, helping to eliminate the infection.
Who it's for
This medication is suitable for individuals diagnosed with specific parasitic infections.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: abamectin
BNF-referencedAbamectin is a macrocyclic lactone insecticide and acaricide used primarily in agriculture for the control of a variety of pests. It is effective against certain nematodes and insects, acting through neurotoxic mechanisms that lead to paralysis and death of the target organisms. Abamectin is derived from the fermentation of the soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis.
Indications
- Control of agricultural pests
- Management of certain nematode infections
Dosage
Children: Refer to specific product guidelines for dosing.
Adults: Refer to specific product guidelines for dosing.
Mechanism of action
Abamectin works by stimulating the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system of invertebrates. This action leads to increased neuronal excitability, causing paralysis and death of the pests.
Pharmacodynamics
Abamectin exhibits potent insecticidal and acaricidal activity by disrupting neurological function in target pests. The increased GABA release inhibits normal nerve impulse transmission, resulting in paralysis. Its effectiveness can vary based on the pest species and environmental conditions.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of abamectin involve absorption through the cuticle and gut of the target organisms. It has a relatively low systemic toxicity to mammals due to its limited ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. The compound is metabolized primarily in the liver and excreted in the feces, with a variable half-life depending on the species and conditions.
Pregnancy
There is limited information regarding the safety of abamectin in pregnancy. Caution is advised.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether abamectin is excreted in human milk. Caution is advised.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: abamectin
PubChem CID 9920327Molecular formula: C95H142O28
Mechanism of action
Insecticide and acaricide with contact and stomach action. ... Acts by stimulating the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, thus causing paralysis.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.
- ADRENALINE INJ 1MG/ML 1ML · Nairobi Pharmaceuticals
- ADVOCATE (FOR CATS) SOLUTION · Bayer
- ATRAPURE 2.5ML INJECTION · Nairobi Enterprises
- ATROMED INJECTION · Dawa
- ATROPINE · Reddys Pharma
- ATROPINE SULPHATE INJ. 0.6MG/ML 1ML · Nairobi Pharmaceuticals