About Ivermectin 

 When ivermectin was first discovered in the 1970s, it was used only on animals because it kills some internal and external parasites that affect livestock as well as companion animals such as horses and dogs. Then in the 1980s, it was approved to treat some parasitic infections in people. 

 Ivermectin is a derivative of avermectin, a natural product obtained from the bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis. It works by binding to specific channels in the nerve and muscle cells of parasites, leading to their paralysis and death. This mechanism of action has made it a vital drug in combating conditions such as onchocerciasis (river blindness), lymphatic filariasis, and strongyloidiasis. 

FDA Approval

In people, the FDA has approved prescription ivermectin tablets to treat two infections caused by parasitic worms:

• Strongyloidiasis, which people usually get from contact with contaminated soil. It can cause problems such as belly pain, bloating, heartburn, diarrhea, and rashes. However, if you have strongyloidiasis, you may not have any symptoms.
• Onchocerciasis, which is spread through blackfly bites. Also called river blindness, this infection can bring on an itchy rash, vision loss, and abnormal growths under the skin. 

 Ivermectin Side Effects

At doses that doctors usually prescribe for people, ivermectin can have side effects such as:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Pain in your stomach
• Muscle pain or stiffness
• Difficulty moving
• Joint pain
• Reduced appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Tenderness in your neck, armpit, or groin
• Shaky movements (tremors)

Contraindications and Precautions

1. Do not use in children weighing <15 kg due to risk of CNS penetration across the blood-brain barrier 

Recent evidence suggests dosing strategies for children 3 months-2 years may be feasible (0.75-3 mg based on age), but this requires clinical trial validation 

 2. Pregnancy and Lactation

     • Pregnancy: Classified as "human data suggest low risk" 

     • Lactation: Very low levels excreted in breastmilk; likely compatible with breastfeeding 

3. Drug Interactions

     • Ivermectin is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 

     • Food effect: High-fat meals increase bioavailability approximately 2.5-fold take on empty stomach for standard dosing

4. Geographic Considerations

Before prescribing ivermectin to anyone who has traveled to Loa loa endemic areas (Central/West Africa), you must exclude loiasis. Ivermectin can precipitate severe reactions including encephalopathy in patients with high Loa loa microfilarial loads.

Common Off-Label Uses

Non-crusted scabies and head lice: Ivermectin tablets are sometimes used when topical treatments fail or are impractical 

Other parasitic infections: Clinicians may prescribe ivermectin for a broader range of helminth infections beyond labeled indications, including certain intestinal worms and other parasitic skin conditions 

Dermatologic applications: Some off-label use targets inflammatory skin conditions or vector-control strategies, though these are less well-established 

Controversial and Experimental Uses

COVID-19: During the pandemic, ivermectin was widely used off-label for COVID-19 prevention and treatment

Cancer: Emerging research suggests ivermectin may have anti-tumor properties, such as inhibiting HSP27 and WNT/β-catenin signaling pathways, potentially enhancing chemotherapy effects in preclinical models. These findings are preliminary, and there is no established clinical evidence supporting ivermectin as a cancer treatment outside controlled trials

Takeaways

Ivermectin is used to treat parasitic infections in both people and animals, but the type given to animals is unsafe for people. It’s important to take ivermectin as your doctor has directed.

                                           Call us today to see how Ivermectin can assist you in your overall health journey!

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