Ivermectin
About
Ivermectin belongs to the class of anti-parasitic medicines, also known as anthelmintics. It is a widely used medication to treat various infections caused by parasites, including strongyloidiasis (a roundworm infection) and control onchocerciasis (a worm infection that affects skin and eyes). These parasitic infections can affect the quality of life and lead to life-threatening conditions if left untreated, especially in people with weakened defence (immune) systems.
Ivermectin contains ivermectin, which works by attaching to the inside of the parasite. It finally paralyzes and destroys the parasite or it prevents adult parasites from creating larvae for a while. Thus it effectively treats parasitic infections.
Take this medication as advised by your doctor. Do not alter the dose without your doctor’s advice. Common side-effects of Ivermectin are headache, dizziness, muscle pain, nausea, or upset stomach. You may also experience orthostatic hypotension (dizziness when getting up too quickly from a sitting or lying position). Most of these side effects of Ivermectin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Before starting Ivermectin, inform your doctor if you are allergic to ivermectin or other medications. Do not consume Ivermectin if you are pregnant and breastfeeding without consulting the doctor. Tell your doctor if you are taking sedatives, anti-anxiety, or anti-epileptic drugs. Tell your doctor if you have a medical history of meningitis, human African trypanosomiasis, African sleeping sickness (an infection caused by the bite of tsetse fly in African countries), or illness that weakens the immune system, such as HIV or AIDS. Before taking the Ivermectin, inform your doctor about your medical history and other medications you are currently taking to rule out any potential negative effects.
Uses of Ivermectin
Medicinal Benefits
Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic medication. It can kill the parasites by acting on the nervous system. It starves the worms by inducing paralysis, consequently leading them to death. In the case of strongyloidiasis, it kills the parasites present in the intestine, completely treating the infection. In the case of onchocerciasis, it can only control the infection as it can kill the developing worms but not the adult worms.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ivermectin
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Muscle pain
- Diarrhoea
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Head or neck pain
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Seizures
- Balance problems
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Ivermectin, antiparasitic medications, or any other medications. Tell your doctor if you use any prescription, nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, or other herbal products. Inform your doctor if you are previously diagnosed with meningitis, human African trypanosomiasis (an infection caused by tsetse fly), or HIV. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you ever had loa loa infection (a worm infection) or if you ever lived in West or Central Africa. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience blurred vision, seizures, trouble walking, or neck pain.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: Ivermectin may interact with sedatives (phenobarbital and butalbital), anti-anxiety drugs (clonazepam and lorazepam), narcotic (sodium oxybate), and antiepileptic drugs (valproic acid).
Drug-Food interactions: Limit or avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease interactions: Ivermectin should be used with caution in patients with meningitis, human African trypanosomiasis, and HIV.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIvermectin may interact with alcohol and increase the risk of side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionIvermectin should not be used when pregnancy unless necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Ivermectin.
Breast Feeding
cautionIvermectin should not be used in nursing mothers unless necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are a nursing mother. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Ivermectin.
Driving
cautionIvermectin may cause drowsiness and affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionIvermectin should be used with caution in patients with liver problems. Take Ivermectin only under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Kidney
safe if prescribedIvermectin can be used in patients with kidney problems only when prescribed by your doctor.
Children
cautionIvermectin should be given to children when prescribed by a child specialist only.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- It is important to have a healthy diet high in nutrients and low in refined sugars and processed foods. Fibre is precious because it keeps your intestines constantly working while washing.
- A nutrient-rich diet is also essential to improve your immune system, as parasites are flushed out of your body.
- Garlic, honey, pumpkin, and papaya seeds are all labelled as anti-parasitic foods to be included in your diet.
- Try to choose a sugar-free, grain-free diet.
- Suggest limiting fruit consumption to reduce dietary sugars further.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and seafood to prevent more parasitic infections after cleansing.
Special Advise
- To reduce dizziness upon standing, avoid standing up too quickly from a sitting or lying position. Get up slowly and rest your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Strongyloidiasis is a threadworm infection. In this condition, a type of roundworm invades the intestine by entering into the body through the skin. It is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, and skin rashes.
Onchocerciasis, also called river blindness, is a worm that affects the skin and eyes. It causes symptoms such as skin rashes, severe itching, bumps under the skin, and visual impairment.
FAQs
Ivermectin can cause fever and rash. However, you may or may not develop a fever while using Ivermectin as everybody does not experience the same side-effects.
The symptoms usually improve within two to three days after taking Ivermectin. If there is no improvement within 7 days of treatment, consult your doctor immediately.
Ivermectin can be used for treating scabies only when prescribed by a doctor.
No, it is not recommended to take Ivermectin daily. Take this medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Ivermectin should be used with caution in patients with seizures or epilepsy. Consult a doctor before using Ivermectin to avoid unwanted side-effects.
Ivermectin is used to treat parasitic infections. So, consult a doctor before using Ivermectin for any skin infection.
No, Ivermectin is not available over the counter. It can only be taken if prescribed by a doctor. Take it only under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
