What is Ivermectin?
Ivermectin Ivermectin is an anti-parasite medication. It is used for treating infections in the body which are caused by certain parasites. It works by binding to invertebrate muscle and nerve cells of parasites, causing paralysis and death of parasites. Ivermectin medications are active against the non-adult form of Onchocerca Volvulus. It is also active against intestinal activity of Strongyloides stercoralis. FDA had approved Ivermectin in November 1996.Also, Ivermectin is currently being investigated as the treatment for coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, it is the virus that causes COVID-19. The trials have shown that Ivermectin reduces the number of cells-associated viral DNA by 99.8% in 24 hours.
But further studies are going on to know the effectiveness of Ivermectin in humans with COVID-19.
Ivermectin Uses
- Ivermectin is used for intestinal infection which is caused by Strongyloides Stercoralis.
- Ivermectin is also used for infections that are caused by non-adult forms of Onchocerca Volvulus.
- Ivermectin is used for the treatment of head lice, blepharitis and Filariasis.
Ivermectin Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Ivermectin are:
Some of the serious side effects of Ivermectin are:
- Swelling of the eyes, face, arms ankles and lower legs
- Joint Pain
- Painful and swollen glands of neck, armpit and groin
- Irregular heartbeat
- Eye pain and redness
- Fever
- Blistering or peeling skin
- Rashes
- Hives
- Itching
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Ivermectin if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Ivermectin side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Ivermectin talk to your doctor if you’re allergic to Ivermectin or any other medications. If you are taking any prescription or non prescription medicine, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products say it to your doctor.
Talk to your doctor if you are taking any medications for anxiety, mental illness or seizures, muscle relaxants, sedatives, sleeping pills or tranquilizers.
How to take Ivermectin?
Ivermectin comes in the form of tablets. Usually it’s taken as a single dose and it should be taken in an empty stomach with water. Follow the direction mentioned on your prescription also before taking Ivermectin consult with your doctor for knowing the perfect dosage timing. Take Ivermectin as directed by your doctor or it may lead to some serious side effects.
If you are taking Ivermectin for the treatment of Strongyloidiasis you need to go for a stool exam at least 3 times for the first 3 months after the treatment for knowing if your infection has cleared or not.
Dosage
Dosages are very complicated as it varies with each disease. The dose of Ivermectin begins with 15 kg weight and varies up to 80 or 85 kg depending on the disease.
Strongyloidiasis
The recommended dosage of Ivermectin for the treatment of Strongyloidiasis is single oral dose i.e. 200 mcg of Ivermectin per kg of the body weight.
Dosage for Strongyloidiasis
Body Weight | Single oral dose Number of 3-mg Tablets |
|---|---|
| 15-25 | 1 tablet |
| 26-44 | 2 tablets |
| 45-64 | 3 tablets |
| 65-84 | 4 tablets |
| >85 | 5 tablets |
| >80 | 2150 mcg/kg |
Onchocerciasis
The recommended dosage of Ivermectin for the treatment of Onchocerciasis is single oral dose designed i.e. 150 mcg Ivermectin per kg of body weight.
Dosage for Onchocerciasis
| Ivermectin is an anti-parasite medication. It is used for treating infections in the body which are caused by certain parasites. | Albendazole is an anti-worm medication. This prevents newly hatched insect larvae from growing and multiplying in the body. |
| Ivermectin is used for intestinal infection which is caused by Strongyloides Stercoralis. | Albendazole is used for treating infections i.e. caused by the worms. |
| Ivermectin is also used for infections that are caused by non-adult forms of Onchocerca Volvulus. | Albendazole is used for the treatment of parasitic worm infection. |
Head Lice
200 mcg/kg, 1-2 additional doses can be repeated after 7 days
Blepharitis
200 mcg/kg as a single dose
Filariasis Due to mansonella Ozzardi
6 mg as a single dose
Filariasis Due to Mansonella Streptocera
150 mcg/kg as a single dose
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Ivermectin won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Ivermectin tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for serious health conditions
Pregnancy
There is no adequate study on Ivermectin to determine whether it is safe or effective for pregnant women. Ivermectin should be avoided by pregnant women for avoiding any risk in the unborn.
Breastfeeding
Ivermectin enters into breast milk. So, before taking Ivermectin, talk to your doctor to know whether it is safe or not.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Ivermectin consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Ivermectin rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Ivermectin.
Ivermectin vs. Albendazole
| Ivermectin is an anti-parasite medication. It is used for treating infections in the body which are caused by certain parasites. | Albendazole is an anti-worm medication. This prevents newly hatched insect larvae from growing and multiplying in the body. |
| Ivermectin is used for intestinal infection which is caused by Strongyloides Stercoralis. | Albendazole is used for treating infections i.e. caused by the worms. |
| Ivermectin is also used for infections that are caused by non-adult forms of Onchocerca Volvulus. | Albendazole is used for the treatment of parasitic worm infection. |
