Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic drug qualified for paralyzing and promoting the elimination of various types of parasites and being mainly indicated for the treatment of river blindness, pediculosis (lice), scabies, elephantiasis, and ascariasis (roundworm).
This medicine is indicated for adults and children over 5 years of age and can be found in pharmacies, and it is essential to consult a doctor regarding its use, as the dose may different according to the infection to be treated and the person’s weight.
Ivermectin is one of the drugs that has been studied for the treatment of COVID-19, however, the results of the studies are not conclusive, so ivermectin is contradicted for COVID-19 by most of the international health entities including WHO.
What is it for?
Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug is determined for the treatment of several diseases, such as:
Scabies
Intestinal strongyloidiasis – which is the infection caused by the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis
Filariasis – popularly known as elephantiasis;
Ascariasis – which is infection by the parasite Ascaris lumbricoides;
Pediculosis – which is lice infestation;
Onchocerciasis – popularly known as River Blindness.
The use of Ivermectin must be done according to the doctor’s advice, as this way it is possible to prevent the appearance of side effects such as tiredness, stomach pain, weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. In some cases, dizziness, drowsiness, tremors, and skin hives may also appear.
How to use
The use of ivermectin should be done according to the doctor’s advice, and it is usually recommended to take the medication with a glass of water on an empty stomach, one hour before breakfast. Ivermectin is usually used in a single dose and the number of pills may alter depending on the person’s weight and disease being treated.
Only one dose of the drug can eliminate the parasites, however, it is essential that stool or blood tests are performed 2 weeks after the start of treatment, so the doctor can determine the need to repeat the
dosage.
Mainly, anti-parasitic drugs can be used once every six months, since the repeated use of this type of drug especially when at short intervals, can increase the risk of negative effects and the development of drug-induced hepatitis, for example
Strongyloidiasis, filariasis, scabies, lice, and roundworms
To treat strongyloidiasis, filariasis, scabies, lice, and roundworms, the recommended use should be adjusted to weight as follows:
Onchocerciasis
To treat onchocerciasis, the recommended dose, depending on the person’s weight is as follows:
Possible side effects
Some of the most common side effects that may occur during treatment with ivermectin are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, general weakness and lack of energy, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or constipation. These reactions are usually mild and short-lived.
In addition, allergic reactions may also occur, especially when taking ivermectin for onchocerciasis, which may present with abdominal pain, fever, itching throughout the body, red patches on the skin, swelling of the eyes & eyelids. If these symptoms appear, it is advised to stop using the drug and look for medical help right away or visit your concerned doctor.
Can Ivermectin cause drug hepatitis?
Although the drug insert does not mention serious side effects related to liver problems such as drug hepatitis, it is known that this drug can increase the presence of liver enzymes in blood tests.
Also, this drug is indicated only in sensitive cases, for short-term treatment, and its effect on the body has not been studied at doses higher than those recommended or for long periods.
Hence, it is possible that prolonged use, very frequent or in doses higher than those indicated, can cause liver problems including drug-induced hepatitis. The ideal is always to consume ivermectin under the guidance of your concerned doctor.
Who should not take
This medication is contradicted for pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, children under 5 years or 15kg weight, and patients with asthma or meningitis. Additionally, it should not be used in people with hypersensitivity to ivermectin or any of the components present in the formula.
Ivermectin and COVID-19
The use of ivermectin against COVID-19 has been widely discussed in the scientific community because the antiparasitic has an antiviral action against the virus responsible for yellow fever, dengue, and ZIKA, therefore, it was assumed that it would also have an effect against the virus of COVID-19.
