Ivermectin – Uses, Side Effects, and More

Ivermectin is a remarkable drug with global health importance. It’s an antiparasitic drug of potent efficacy, targeting and paralyzing myriad parasites to offer relief from debilitative diseases and improve the lives of millions across the world.

How Ivermectin works:

The mode of action of Ivermectin is through the selective targeting of the nervous system of parasites. It selectively binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels; this is significant for the efficient functioning of the nervous system within the parasite. These are nothing but gates in control of the movement of chloride ions into the cells of the parasite. If it could bind with the channel, then ivermectin-jammed open gates allow a concentration of chloride ions to flood into the cells. This overthrows the fine balance of electrical signals in the nerve and muscle cells of the parasite, resulting in its paralysis and, eventually, death. The parasite is effectively paralyzed: incapable of movement, feeding, or reproduction, which halts the infection.

Universal Use:

Ivermectin has been used successfully to combat a wide variety of parasitic infections, including:

• Strongyloidiasis is an infection by a roundworm that causes significant intestinal disorders, ranging from diarrhea to abdominal pain. It may result in potentially fatal complications like pneumonia and meningitis in immunocompromised patients. Ivermectin eradicates the parasites, thereby giving relief and stopping the further transmission of the disease.
  
  
• It leads to river blindness- onchocerciasis debilitating and itching, itchy skin eruption disease, other skin rashes, and eye conditions including the loss of eyesight with a blackfly. Ivermectin remained essential in treatment and prevention strategies for river blindness but greatly reduced its burden load in endemic populations.
  
  
• Scabies: Ivermectin is a very effective medication against the highly contagious skin infestation caused by tiny mites. It removes the intense itching and discomfort associated with the infestation by scabies and prevents the further spread of the mites.
  
  
• Head Lice: Although ivermectin is usually given in combination with other treatments, it can be used to help manage head lice infestations, especially when the infestation is resistant to other treatments.
  
  

In addition to the parasitic infections listed above, Ivermectin is also used for the treatment of other parasitic infections including filariasis, onchocerciasis, and other helminthic infections. All these infections form a broad group of diseases caused by thread-like worms that lead to destructive damage to the lymphatic system.

Key Considerations:

• Safety First: Ivermectin will interact with several medicines, including but not limited to, antibiotics- macrolides and tetracyclines and antifungals like ketoconazole or itraconazole and drugs that suppress immunity. Therefore, inform your treating doctor about other medicines you might be taking now.
  
  
• Pregnancy/Breast Feeding: Ivermectin can be used under the advice of a doctor even in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
  
  
• COVID-19 Misinformation: Note that ivermectin is not a drug for the treatment of COVID-19. Misuse of this drug can lead to serious health problems.
  
  
• Dosage and Advice: Always follow your doctor’s prescription for the right dosage and period of treatment.
  
  
• Possible Side Effects: Though in general well tolerated, side effects of ivermectin can include rash, itching of the skin; gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; dizziness, headache, or even neurological ones such as confusion, seizures, and in the extreme, even coma.
  
  

Conclusion

Ivermectin has been an important part of global health efforts, making a difference in the lives of millions of people worldwide. Successfully fighting parasitic infections, ivermectin enhances public health, reduces the burden of diseases, and promotes a better quality of life for individuals and communities around the world. It has had the most significant impact on neglected tropical diseases, reducing suffering and improving the health and well-being of populations in many developing countries.