Ivermectin dubbed a "miracle drug" for tropical diseases, is used to treat parasitic infections in humans, pets, and livestock. This medication has helped millions of people who suffer from river blindness and strongyloidiasis. Continue reading to learn more about ivermectin's applications, safety, and side effects.

What is Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is a medication that is used to treat parasitic infections in humans, pets, and livestock. Ivermectin, along with penicillin and aspirin, is regarded by some as one of the drugs with the greatest impact on human health and well-being.Ivermectin was initially used to treat parasitic infections in commercial livestock and pets, but it was quickly approved for human use as well. Ivermectin has now been added to the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines.In humans, ivermectin is approved by the FDA to treat two types of parasitic infections:

Strongyloidiasis is an infection of the intestine caused by the nematode parasite Strongyloides stercoralis (also called roundworm)
Onchocerciasis is a parasitic infection caused by the parasite Onchocerca volvulus that causes river blindness

Mechanism of Action

Ivermectin appears to work by paralysing and killing parasites in general. It has a strong affinity for glutamate-gated channels in invertebrates (roundworms and arthropods). This causes an influx of chloride ions into muscle and nerve cells, resulting in the parasite's paralysis and death.Ivermectin may also inhibit the parasite's ability to release proteins that aid it in evading the body's natural immune defences. As a result, with the help of this drug, the immune response may be able to overcome and eliminate parasites.

Uses of Ivermectin

Ivermectin is a prescription medicine that should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. Ivermectin has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of two types of parasitic diseases. Ivermectin is also used off-label to treat a variety of other conditions. If your doctor prescribed this medicine, you can easily buy it online, because Ivermectin for sale is available at online and local pharmacies.

FDA-Approved Uses

Strongyloidiasis

Strongyloidiasis is a tropical disease that affects millions of people around the world. The parasite Strongyloides stercoralis, a member of the roundworm family, causes it. This parasite is primarily transmitted through contact with larvae-infested soil. After contact, the larvae of this worm can penetrate the skin and make their way to the intestines.Many people infected with Strongyloides do not show any symptoms. Diarrhea, constipation, skin rashes, abdominal pain, and heartburn are all possible symptoms. Consult your doctor if you suspect you have an infection.Ivermectin is the drug of choice for the treatment of intestinal strongyloidiasis. According to clinical trials, a single 200-mcg/kg dose of ivermectin may cure the infection in 64-100% of patients, while two doses of ivermectin may cure the infection in close to 100% of patients.Ivermectin, on the other hand, only kills the adult worms of this parasite, not the larvae. This is why additional ivermectin doses are sometimes required to completely eradicate an infection.

River Blindness (Onchocerciasis)

Onchocerciasis (river blindness) is a tropical disease caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus. The black fly, an insect that lives and breeds near streams and rivers, spreads this disease through repeated bites. The larvae of this parasite usually make their way to the skin and eyes once inside the body.Some people who are infected with Onchocerca volvulus do not show any symptoms. Furthermore, while inside the body, larvae can take 3 months to a year to mature into adults. Itching, swelling, inflammation, and skin discoloration are all signs of infection. This infection, as the name implies, can also affect the eyes and cause blindness.Ivermectin has been shown to be effective for the treatment of river blindness in a number of clinical trials spanning three decades and involving thousands of people. Ivermectin, on the other hand, appears to be active only against Onchocerca volvulus larvae and not against adult parasites. Ivermectin treatment typically entails multiple doses spaced 3 to 12 months apart.

Off-Label Uses

Ivermectin is sometimes used for a variety of off-label purposes, which we'll go over in the following sections. If you are given ivermectin, always take it as prescribed by your doctor.

Lymphatic Filariasis

The invasion of worms into the lymphatic system causes lymphatic filariasis (also known as elephantiasis). This disease poses a threat to over a billion people in over 80 countries. Several parasitic worms, including Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and B. timori, can cause lymphatic filariasis.The parasites are spread from person to person through mosquito bites. While most infected people have had no symptoms, some may develop lymphedema, which is a buildup of fluid in the lymph system that causes swelling. This swelling usually affects the legs, but it can also affect the arms and genitalia.While ivermectin is not typically the first option for elephantiasis treatment, it is sometimes used, particularly in areas where onchocerciasis is also a concern. For the treatment of lymphatic filariasis, ivermectin is commonly coupled with other antiparasitic drugs.

Scabies

Scabies is a skin infestation caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. While topical permethrin is usually the preferred treatment for scabies, oral ivermectin is sometimes used as a second or third-line treatment.A recent review of 15 studies including 1896 participants suggests that there is no difference in effectiveness between topical permethrin, topical ivermectin, and oral ivermectin.

Head Lice

New research indicates that ivermectin is sometimes used to treat head lice.In a double-blind, randomised, controlled experiment involving 751 patients, it was discovered that a single 10-minute treatment of 0.5% topical ivermectin on dry hair was successful in removing a head lice infestation.Ivermectin may also be useful as a head lice treatment when taken orally. A double-blind, randomised, controlled research with 812 patients revealed that oral ivermectin may be beneficial for treating head lice, especially in cases of infestations that are difficult to treat. Similar results have been discovered in several research.

Rosacea

There is some proof that topical ivermectin could be effective in treating certain types of rosacea, a common skin disorder characterized by facial redness and small bumps.According to one study, using a 1% topical ivermectin cream for 12 weeks may reduce rosacea illnesses and improve quality of life.A randomised trial of 962 rosacea patients found that ivermectin cream reduced inflammatory lesions and increased patient satisfaction. Several other studies have produced similar findings.Read: How to get Ivermectin

Warnings

Ivermectin should not be given to people who have a high parasite count of Loa loa (roundworm species). When these parasites die, they can cause functional impairment, coma, and serious (possibly fatal) brain effects such as encephalopathy. The greater the number of parasites in the patient, the greater the risk.

Throughout Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Toxic doses of ivermectin have been shown in animal studies to cause foetal malformations, but there have been no adequate studies in pregnant women. Ivermectin should not be used during pregnancy, according to the FDA, because its safety has not been established.Ivermectin is excreted in low concentrations in breast milk. Ivermectin should only be used in breastfeeding mothers if the medical benefits outweigh the risks, according to the FDA.

Ivermectin for Parasitic Infections

What is Ivermectin?

Mechanism of Action