What Is Ivermectin? Uses, Safety Tips
Ivermectin has been used to treat parasitic infections anthelmintics. It kills parasites by dysregulating their nervous systems and encouraging their excretion by the body.
This antiparasitic drug can be found in many forms including topical products. The appropriate form for the treatment of a given infection is what determines the use of ivermectin. this is in oral forms for approved use in humans is only available by prescription in the United States.
Key Takeaways
- Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication used against certain parasitic infections.
- Human ivermectin is FDA approved for strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis in oral form.
- Some topical forms of ivermectin are approved for the treatment of head lice and rosacea.
- Simply having a parasitic infection is not an indication for this medicine.
- It should be used as directed by a healthcare professional.
- It formulated for animals should never be used by a human
What is Ivermectin?
The use of ivermectin to treat certain parasitic infections has been extensively studied. This medicine interferes with parasite nervous and/or muscular system activity.
The form of an ivermectin preparation may be either oral or topical. The particular formulation of ivermectin, strength, and dosing schedule are specific to the infection being treated. Due to the broad range of symptoms that may be caused by parasitism, taking this drug on one’s own assumption is ill-advised.
What is Ivermectin used for?
Strongyloidiasis
The most significant use of ivermectin orally is treating strongyloidiasis that is caused by the roundworm, Strongyloides stercoralis. This also commonly gets called intestinal threadworm.
There can be symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, a rash, or a cough. It can also be symptom free. The goal of this medication is to target and get rid of the susceptible worms in the body.
Onchocerciasis
Use of this medicine is also justified for onchocerciasis or the river blindness worm, Onchocerca volvulus.
Use of ivermectin is justified for this worm because it affects symptoms from the worm. It does not kill worms that affect blindness, so it requires multiple treatments and continuous monitoring.
Scabies
It is usually prescribed for cases of scabies that is caused by mites of a microscopic size. Oral ivermectin is justified in some cases by health professionals.
Scabies causes very intense itching, rash, and burrows on the skin, especially at night.
Head Lice
Some forms of ivermectin are approved for topical treatment for head lice. For example, in the United States of America, ivermectin lotion can be used for treating head lice for everyone, adults and children, that are over 6 months of age.
Rosacea
Some forms are justified for treating the inflammatory lesions caused by rosacea when applied topically. This is different from taking Stromectol tablets for parasitic worms.
How Does Ivermectin Work?
This antiparasitic treatment targets some open channels in the parasite that are either nervous or muscular. It disrupts the normal nerve signal, which results in death of the parasite.
Product specificity is not a problem with this medicine. For certain parasites, this medicine can be effective if used with the correct dose.
However, ivermectin does not work for all parasites. The correct treatment depends on the organism causing the infection.
How Is Ivermectin Taken?
For certain approved uses, it is taken with a tablet, sometimes as a single dose. Other infections may require a different use or follow-up.
For example, people who are treated for onchocerciasis may need more doses in the future, as determined by their doctor. Patients with strongyloidiasis may need to undergo additional testing to see if the infection is gone after treatment.
The dose that is right for a single person can vary for many different factors that include:
- What infection is being treated/caused
- Body weight
- The person’s overall health
- Other medications being taken by the person
- Additional treatment being done
For this reason, it is important not to take the dose that was prescribed to someone else.
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Side Effects
Other medicines have other side effects and thus medicine is no exception. For oral use, common side effects are:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Feeling very tired
- Loss of appetite
Additional reactions to the side effects may depend on the infection that is being treated.
It is dangerous to take too much of this medicine. The FDA says taking too much ivermectin can lead to very low blood pressure, severe dizziness, loss of coordination, seizures, and can even cause death.
Is Ivermectin Safe for Everyone?
Not everyone can safely use Stromectol . Before you use it, healthcare workers should know your medical history and all the medicines you take (or have taken), including prescriptions, non-prescription drugs, herbal products, and supplements.
When Should You Talk to a Doctor?
If you aren’t diagnosed yet, you should talk to a healthcare worker. An ear infection is not a good enough reason to take ivermectin.
First, we need to test to see if you have a parasite. Then we need to figure out what kind of parasite it is before we decide what the best treatment is. There is a chance we need different medicines for different parasites.
You need to call your healthcare worker if the medicine isn’t working or if the original symptoms come back.
Bottom Line
Ivermectin is a good antiparasitic drug that is safe for humans to take. It is only approved for a few conditions that affect the human body, like onchocerciasis and strongyloidiasis. The FDA has approved only the oral form of Stromectol for these conditions. Some other topical forms are used to treat head lice and rosacea.