Infection of the human body with parasites has irreversible consequences. Once in favorable conditions, the larvae begin to actively multiply, disrupting the functioning of vital organs. Ivermectin affects the source of infection, regardless of the stage of development. It destroys the formed parasites and larvae with equal efficiency.
Ivermectin is generally used to treat and prevent parasites in animals. Doctors may prescribe it to people in small doses to treat head lice, gastric gadflies, subcutaneous and nasopharyngeal larvae, bloodsuckers, sarcoptic mites, along with eye, lung, and gastrointestinal nematodes. It is effective in the treatment of the following diseases:
- ascariasis;
- enterobiasis;
- onchocerciasis;
- lymphatic filariasis;
- strongyloidiasis;
- scabies;
- pediculosis.
Important! In the last two cases, the drug is introduced into the treatment plan while maintaining immune protection.
If a disease is suspected, it is used as a preventive treatment. In this case, the drug is aimed at the destruction of the larvae.
WHO included it in the list of drugs that changed the world along with aspirin and penicillin. In 2015, the scientists who discovered it received the Nobel Prize.
The antiviral activity of this drug against certain viruses was demonstrated in vitro. A phase III study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this drug in patients with dengue fever. The drug was ineffective in the treatment of this disease, but it was well tolerated by patients.
We warn about the dangers of self-administration of drugs that have not passed clinical trials for one reason or another. This can lead to the most unfortunate consequences.
What about uses for Covid?
In early April 2020, a study by Australian scientists was published in the journal Antiviral Research. They added Ivermectin to test tubes with Coronavirus-infected cells and found that a single treatment of the cell culture with this drug after 24 hours led to a decrease in the virus by 93%, and after 48 hours – by 99.8%.
More than 113 studies have been conducted in different countries on its use in patients with COVID-19, 63 of them compared the results of experimental and control groups and reported a positive effect of the drug. More than 600 scientists and almost 30,000 patients took part in these studies. According to general data, its effectiveness as a preventive means is 86%, with early treatment – 72%.
Nonetheless, studies that have confirmed the effectiveness of this drug have not satisfied US and global regulators. They often used doses of Ivermectin up to a hundred times higher than those allowed for humans. Human studies at safe dosages have shown that Ivermectin is not of much use, at least in moderate forms of COVID-19. It does not speed up recovery and can harm rather than bring any benefit.
WHO back in March 2021 recommended the use of this drug exclusively in clinical trials. The drug was also gaining popularity in Australia, Brazil, South Korea, France, Latin America, and Africa. Local health ministries, though, report cases of Ivermectin poisoning.
How it works
The active substance of the drug is Ivermectin. Penetrating the patient’s body, it is quickly absorbed into the tissues and reaches its maximum possible concentration in a few hours. It attacks larvae and mature phases of parasites, destroying their tissues and preventing further development.
To be more specific, it leads to a violation of the conduction of nerve impulses in the tissues of parasites and microfilariae. This leads to a cessation of the processes of reproduction of parasites, the destruction of their tissues, and the gradual death of colonies.
The medication attacks the pathogen within the first 4 hours. The substance remains in the blood plasma for about two days, which allows it to completely destroy even the most resistant individuals. After 48 hours, it is excreted by the intestines.
When adhering to the treatment plan (period and dosage), the medication does not increase the level of toxins in the human body.
Contraindications
The drug has a number of contraindications. Ivermectin should not be prescribed to patients with a weak immune system, in particular, patients with HIV and AIDS. Apart from this drug is contraindicated to the following categories:
- children under 5 years old;
- children weighing under 10kg;
- pregnant and breastfeeding women;
- patients with individual intolerance to one of the components of the drug;
- patients with impaired functioning of the blood-brain barrier;
- Bronchial asthma;
- Meningitis.
How to use
Ivermectin is usually given as a single dose. The average daily intake of Ivermectin is about 12 mg. The exact calculation of the amount of the substance is determined based on the weight of the individual. Children weighing more than 15 kg and older than 5 years are typically prescribed 150 mcg per 1 kg of body weight.
You may need to take another dose of Ivermectin, depending on the condition of the individual and the degree of development of the disease. A break of 1-2 weeks, during which the patient’s condition is monitored for the effectiveness of therapy and to prevent the manifestation of side effects, is necessary. You may need to have your stool checked frequently to make sure this medicine is working.
The tablet is swallowed whole and washed down with a sufficient amount of water. You should take Ivermectin on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Before you buy Ivermectin, you should always consult with your doctor. Self-treatment is dangerous for your health.
Side effects
Given the specifics of the drug, the list of adverse reactions of the body is quite impressive. It includes:
- feverish state;
- headache;
- drowsiness;
- dizziness;
- a state of general weakness;
- pain in muscle and joint tissue;
- diarrhea;
- swelling;
- rashes on the skin;
- itching;
- lymphangitis and lymphadenitis;
- tachycardia;
- swelling of the eyelids;
- conjunctivitis;
- bronchospasms.
If one of the signs appears or a sharp deterioration in well-being, it is necessary to stop taking the medication and seek the advice of a doctor to determine a new course of treatment.
It should be noted that the intensity of side effects is directly proportional to the degree of infection of the body with parasites. Moreover, the very fact of the manifestation of adverse reactions is not a consequence of the toxicity of the drug, but the death of parasite colonies. As a rule, all of the listed symptoms are easily tolerated or eliminated with the help of antihistamines or aspirin.
Overdose
Ivermectin used to treat animals is more concentrated. It is used for large animals such as horses and cows, which weigh significantly more than humans. High dosages can be very dangerous. Overdose can cause side effects including skin rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, swelling of the face or extremities, neurological problems, drop in blood pressure, and liver damage. Accordingly, you should take this medication only with a doctor’s prescription that will specify the dosage and treatment plan.
Warnings
Ivermectin may cause dizziness. To reduce the chance of dizziness or passing out, get up slowly if you are sitting or lying down. You should also be careful going up and down stairs.
FAQ
Is the medication environmentally friendly?
When it hits the ground, Ivermectin quickly and firmly binds to the soil, losing its effect. However, if it gets into the water, the active component is harmful to fish and some marine organisms, so an empty vial with drug residues should be properly destroyed.
Can I take Ivermectin with other medications?
Ivermectin should not be combined with similar drugs that increase GABA activity. This applies to combinations with sedative and sleep-inducing drugs, valproic acid (a drug used to treat epileptic seizures and bipolar disorder and to prevent migraine headaches), and benzodiazepines.
Can it be combined with alcohol?
The use of alcohol-containing products during the period of drug treatment is strictly contraindicated.
Can I use this medication during pregnancy and lactation?
The drug is contraindicated for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If there is a need to use Ivermectin during lactation, breastfeeding should be interrupted for the period of treatment, and resumed only a week and a half after the last dose of the drug.
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