Ivermectin

Ivermectin Uses

Parasites can pose a significant risk to human health if not eliminated or controlled within the body.

Doctors prescribe Ivermectin pills to treat various parasite infections, including

• Strongyloidiasis: Strongyloides stercoralis, a parasitic roundworm, is the cause of this illness. Most of these infections are caused due to contaminated soil. The primary symptoms include Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and skin rashes. 
• Scabies: It is a small, burrowing mite-related skin disease that is contagious. The most prevalent sign of Scabies is severe itching, where the mites have made their burrows. It is a highly communicable parasitic infection that can spread quickly through close physical contact. 
• Ascariasis: It is a form of roundworm infection called Ascariasis. These worms are parasites that develop from larvae or eggs to adult worms using your body as a host. 
• Onchocerciasis: Onchocerca volvulus, a parasitic worm, causes Onchocerciasis or 'river blindness. It spreads to people when they are bitten repeatedly by the infected. Blackflies. Symptoms include severe itching and eye damage, including irreversible blindness.
• Filariasis: Filariasis is a parasitic condition brought on by roundworms of the Filarioidea species. Blood-feeding insects like mosquitoes and black flies disseminate these. 

How does Ivermectin work

Ivermectin belongs to a group of antiparasitic and semisynthetic Anthelmintic groups of medications. 

Ivermectin pills function by binding to Glutamate-gated chloride ion channels in nerve and muscle cells.

Thus, it gradually paralyzes and eliminates the parasite or temporarily prevents adult parasites from producing larvae. 

Ivermectin dosage

Ivermectin tablets are prescription-based medicines that are intaken only when a doctor recommends them. 

The dosage and strength in which one should consume this medicine are decided by the doctor depending upon the weight, age, severity, and the affected body part.

The doctor may recommend more than one dose of Ivermectin if you have a weak immune system.

You should swallow a tablet of Ivermectin with a glassful of water. Consume this tablet almost one hour before the meal on an empty stomach.

After a few months, if your infection has not subsided, your doctor can advise more dosages. 

If you missed a dose, take it immediately. However, if the time for the next dose is almost there, skip it. Do not double the dosage of the medication.

Ivermectin side effects

This medicine might have some common side effects like

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Diarrhea
• Itching and rashes
• Swelling and redness in the eyes

Some severe side effects which you might face after consuming this pill are:

• Low blood pressure
• Seizure
• Trouble in standing or walking
• Confusion
• Extreme tiredness
• Extreme drowsiness

You might not face these side effects if you strictly adhere to the doctor's suggestions.

However, you must immediately inform your physician if you face any side effects. 

To treat Nausea and Vomiting, you can use Vomistop on the doctor's recommendation. 

Interactions

Ivermectin Drug Interactions

Some drugs might interact with Ivermectin and produce an undesired effect. Thus, it's recommended that you should not intake this medicine with:

• Barbiturates like Phenobarbital and Butalbital 
• Benzodiazepines like Clonazepam, Lorazepam
• Sodium Oxybate (GHB)
• Antiepileptic drugs like Valproic acid
• Anti-anxiety drugs Clonazepam and Lorazepam 

Disease Interactions

It is essential to inform your doctor regarding your medical history. You should avoid consuming this drug if you have any of the following diseases:

• Meningitis, 
• Human African Trypanosomiasis
• HIV
• Cardiovascular disease
• Lung disease

Food Interactions

• Alcohol
• Caffeine

Precautions

If you're allergic to Ivermectin, tell your doctor or pharmacist. This product's inactive chemicals could result in allergic reactions or other health issues or difficulties.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use Ivermectin only when prescribed by a doctor.

Ivermectin may cause dizziness. Thus, you should not take alcohol with it. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other tasks requiring attention.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
It’s the doctor’s recommended, first choice medicine to treat the parasitic infection.	This salt might interact with other drugs like Benzodiazepines, Sodium Oxybate, Antiepileptic drugs, Anti-anxiety drugs, etc.
FDA - approved drug to treat parasitic infection.	People with Meningitis, Human African Trypanosomiasis, HIV, Cardiovascular disease, or Lung disease cannot use Ivermectin pills.
The parasitic infection will typically start to ease after two or three days of taking Ivermectin.

Storage

Keep the medicine at room temperature below 30℃. Prevent exposure to direct sunlight and moisture. Also, keep this medicine away from pets and children.

Similar Salts

Another Salt alternative for Ivermectin is Albendazole.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is an FDA Approved antiparasitic drug. It treats tropical diseases like Onchocerciasis, Helminthiases, Scabies, Ascariasis, Filariasis, etc. 

This salt aids in the treatment of illnesses by paralyzing or destroying parasites within the body.

How long should I continue taking Ivermectin medicine?

This medication is a single-dose drug. If the infection is not cleared, your doctor may recommend additional doses after a few months.

Can I use Ivermectin medicine if I am pregnant?

This drug treats parasitic infections and should be consumed by pregnant and breastfeeding women only when the doctor recommends it.

What are the common side effects of Ivermectin tablets?

The common side effects of Ivermectin are muscle pain, joint pains, rashes, dizziness, Nausea, Diarrhea, swelling or redness in the eyes, etc. However, these side effects might not occur if you adhere to the doctor's suggestions.

How does Ivermectin work for parasites?

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug. Ivermectin pills function by binding to Glutamate-gated chloride ion channels in nerve and muscle cells.

Thus, it gradually paralyzes and eliminates the parasite or temporarily prevents adult parasites from producing larvae.

Can I take Ivermectin daily?

No, Ivermectin should not be taken daily. Always follow your doctor's instructions before taking this medicine.

Is Ivermectin available over the counter?

Ivermectin is a prescription-based medication. You should take this medicine only when your doctor suggests it.

How long does Ivermectin take to work?

The symptoms of parasitic infection will typically start to ease after two or three days of taking Ivermectin.

How long do Ivermectin side effects last?

Ivermectin causes mild symptoms like Nausea, muscle pain,and joint pain which are relieved after 48 hours. 

How long does Ivermectin stay in your system?

After around 18 hours, Ivermectin begins to leave the bloodstream, but it remains in the intestines for 12 days, where it continues to kill any worms there.