Milbemycin Oxime (MO)

Milbemycin oxime is a veterinary drug from the group of milbemycins, used as a broad spectrum antiparasitic. It is active against worms (anthelmintic), insects (insecticide)[citation needed] and mites (miticide). Like avermectins, milbemycins are products of fermentation by Streptomyces species. They have a similar mechanism of action, but a longer half-life than the avermectins. Milbemycin oxime is produced by Streptomyces hygroscopicus aureolacrimosus. It opens glutamate sensitive chloride channels in neurons and myocytes of invertebrates, leading to hyperpolarisation of these cells and blocking of signal transfer. Milbemycin oxime is active against a broad spectrum of nematodes, although it is less potent against heartworms than ivermectin. Its miticide spectrum includes Sarcoptes and Demodex. The substance is often combined with other parasiticides to achieve a broader spectrum of action.