Determination of ivermectin in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography

A specific reversed-phase HPLC-assay with sensitive fluorometric detection has been developed to measure the potent new antiparasitic agent ivermectin (CAS 70288-86-7) in human plasma (and urine). The lower limit of the method was 1 ng/ml and the intra-/interassay variability averaged 4.5/6.9%, respectively. The assay was applied for measuring plasma (urine) concentrations of ivermectin upto 56 (72 h) following a single oral dose of 6 and 12 mg. No unchanged or conjugated ivermectin could be detected in urine. Plasma concentrations increased linearly with dose but elimination half-life (12.6/13.4 h) was independent of the administered dose. Thus, the method is applicable for monitoring plasma levels during clinical and pharmacokinetic trials with ivermectin to evaluate its most efficacious dosage regimen.