Drug Name | Doses | Per Item | Go Pharmacy |
Generic Ivermectin (Stromectol) | 3-12 mg | $1.75 | Visit Pharmacy |
Ivermectin is indicated to treat various parasitic infections. Read our article to discover how to use ivermectin and if it helps to prevent and treat COVID-19 (it likely does not).
Ivermectin made a lot of buzz online since 2020 because of its alleged potential in treating COVID-19. This is because the compound had demonstrated an ability to inhibit the replication of viruses in vitro (in the lab, outside of a living organism). However, current indications and even off-label use of the drug are far from the dreaded virus. In this article, we discuss ivermectin, diseases it can treat, its use, and possible adverse effects.
Ivermectin is an antiparasitic agent developed in 1975 by the pharmaceutical company Merck. In 1981, the company launched a marketing campaign to promote ivermectin as a veterinary antiparasitic medication. It was soon recognized for its safety and efficacy in more than 40 countries in the world. In collaboration with WHO, Merck researched the medication concerning parasitic invasions in human patients. The compound was first registered in France in 1987 under the trademark Mectizan. Nowadays, it is manufactured in topical (to be applied on the skin) and oral (to be swallowed) forms and under various names, such as:
There are also veterinary products with the drug as an active ingredient, such as Ivermec. They are manufactured for animal treatment and are not suitable for people.
Despite the fact that ivermectin can suppress the replication of viruses in the laboratory environment, and there has been scientific attention to its effect on COVID-19, it is not approved for the prevention or treatment of this viral infection. The existing clinical data does not suggest that the drug is beneficial for people who need to treat COVID-19 or reduce the risk of getting sick. The amount of misinformation on the subject caused many people to self-treat with ivermectin to alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19 or prevent it. As a result, Poison Control Centers were overloaded with calls related to the ingestion of the drug. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, the majority of the calls were related to the ingestion of livestock or animal formulations of ivermectin purchased at livestock supply centers.
Ivermectin is FDA-approved for the treatment of:
Off-label (without specific FDA approval but overall common because of its efficacy) use of ivermectin includes:
The molecules of the drug bind very actively to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells. Cell membranes become permeable to chloride ions with hyperpolarization of the nerve or muscle cell. This leads to paralysis and death of the parasitic organism.
If the patient needs to use topical ivermectin (lotion, cream, etc.), their doctor will provide the necessary guidance and explain how to apply the medicine. It depends on the kind of health issue, its location, etc. Oral ivermectin is manufactured in pills with a standard strength of 3 mg. The patient’s individual dosage is determined by their weight and the kind of infection they have. In strongyloidiasis treatment, a patient takes a single oral dose of the drug calculated to provide about 200 mcg of ivermectin per kg of body weight. For example, for those who weigh 51-65 kg, guidelines recommend taking 4 tablets of ivermectin. It is necessary to perform follow-up stool tests to confirm that the infection was successfully eradicated. Onchocerciasis is treated similarly, but the dose is aimed at providing about 150 mcg of the drug per kg of body weight. Say, patients between 45 kg and 64 kg are advised to take 3 tablets. After 90 days, repeated administration may be necessary. Ivermectin is administered with water on an empty stomach.
The following side effects were considered likely connected to the use of the drug:
Never take ivermectin without a doctor's prescription to avoid unpleasant and dangerous side effects. If prescribed, make sure you follow all of the instructions.