What is Ivermectin?
Ivermectin, an anti-parasite drug, is used to treat parasitic diseases. FDA-approved for human use to treat parasitic infections such as parasitic worms and hookworms. Ivermectin is also effective for treating a variety of conditions, including onchocerciasis.
Ivermectin's antiviral properties have been demonstrated against a variety of DNA and RNA viruses, including dengue, Zika, and yellow fever.
Ivermectin Treatment with COVID-19
In a clinical study, ivermectin has been investigated as a possible COVID-19 treatment against the SARS-cov-2 virus. This is the virus responsible for COVID-19. Ivermectin has not been approved by the FDA for treating or preventing COVID-19 in humans. WHO recommends that ivermectin not be used to reduce viral reproduction in COVID-19 patients, except for clinical trials.
A randomized, multi-centre trial of experimental studies on ivermectin for adjunct treatment to antiviral effects in hospitalized adult COVID-19 sufferers The COVID-19 treatment guidelines panel has not yet found enough evidence to support a recommendation for or against ivermectin use in COVID-19 for mild or severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Please click here for more information about using Ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19 and other prevention treatments and investigational treatments. Discuss this with your healthcare provider.
The CDC is reporting that adverse effects related to ivermectin overdose and misuse are on the rise. Some people have taken veterinary drugs intended for large animals like horses, sheep, and cattle. These products are very concentrated and can cause overdoses in humans. DO NOT TAKE PRODUCTS OF IVERMECTIN INTENDED TO BE USED BY ANIMALS.
Warnings
After taking ivermectin, you will need to do a stool test to ensure that the infection has been cleared. It may be necessary for some patients to take a second dose of ivermectin in order to treat their infection.
Ivermectin may make you feel dizzy. If you've been lying or sitting down, slowly rise up. This will reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting. Take care when climbing and descending stairs.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to ivermectin, it is best not to use it.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that ivermectin will not harm you:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Cancer, HIV, AIDS, or other conditions that can weaken the immune system
Ivermectin is not known to harm unborn babies. If you plan to get pregnant or are already pregnant, tell your doctor. Ivermectin may pass into breast milk and harm nursing babies. You should tell your doctor if your baby is breastfed. Ivermectin shouldn't be given to children who weigh less than 15 kg (33 pounds).
How to take Ivermectin?
Do not take more ivermectin than your doctor has prescribed. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Ivermectin should be taken on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after eating. Ivermectin can be taken in a single dose. This medicine should be taken with a glass of water. You may need to repeat the ivermectin dose several months or even a year later to effectively treat your infection.
You may need to take ivermectin in more than one dosage if you have a weakened immune system. This can be caused by a disease or certain medicines. Some people with weak immunity need to take the medicine regularly. You should follow your doctor's advice. You may need to take frequent stool samples to ensure that the medicine is working. Store this medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Details on dosage
Adult dose of Ivermectin:
Oral administration of 0.15 mg/kg once every 12 months
Patients with severe ocular infections may need to be treated every six months. You can consider retreatment at intervals of as little as three months.
Based on weight, the following guidelines are given:
15–25 kg: 3 mg once orally
From 26 to 44 kg, 6 mg once orally
90 mg once a day for 45–64 kg
65-84 kg: 12 mg once orally
If you weigh 85 kg or over, take 0.15 mg/kg once.
Adult dose for strongyloidiasis:
Orally, 0.2 mg/kg
Strongyloidiasis can be refractory in immunocompromised patients (including HIV), requiring repeated treatments (e.g., every two weeks) and suppressive treatment (e.g., once per month), despite the lack of well-controlled studies. For these patients, a cure may not be possible.
Based on weight, the following guidelines are given:
15–24 kg: 3 mg once orally
For 25–35 kg: 6 mg once orally
36 to 50 kg: 9 mg once orally
52 to 65 kg: 12mg orally once
From 66 kg to 79kg: 15 mg once orally
80 kg and more: 0.2 mg/kg once orally
Usual Adult Dose for Ascariasis:
Orally, 0.2 mg/kg
Adult dose for cutaneous larva migrans:
Orally, 0.2 mg/kg
Usual Adult Dose for Filariasis:
Orally, 0.2 mg/kg
Study (n = 26, 000)
Papua New Guinea mass treatment
Bancroftian Filariasis: Orally, 0.4 mg/kg once a year (with an annual dose of 6 mg/kg diethylcarbamazine), for 4-6 years
Adult dose for scabies:
Orally, 0.2 mg/kg once and repeated every 2 weeks
Ivermectin can be used in combination with topical scabicides.
The usual pediatric dose for filariasis is:
Study (n=26,000).
Mass treatment in Papua New Guinea
Bancroftian filariasis:
5 years and older: 0.4 mg/kg once a year (with one dose of 6 mg/kg diethylcarbamazine per year), for 4-6 years
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a schedule for ivermectin because it is typically given as a single dosage. If you have a regular schedule, you should take the missed dose immediately. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Ivermectin can be affected by alcohol.
Side effects of Ivermectin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat,
If you experience:
- Eye pain, redness or puffiness, vision problems
- Itching or puss-filled rash is a severe skin reaction.
- Confidence, confusion, changes in mental state, difficulty walking, balance problems
- Fever, stomach pain, joint swelling, swelling of your hands or feet, and swollen glands
- Rapid heart rate trouble breathing
- Loss of bladder or bowel function;
- Neck or back pain, seizure (convulsions);
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
Ivermectin can cause a variety of side effects.
- Muscle pains;
- Dizziness;
- Nausea, diarrhea,
- Mild skin rash
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Ivermectin may interact with other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.
