Ivermectin: Effects, Uses & Risks

The ivermectin is a remedy used against internal and external infestation of parasites. It blocks the mobility of lice, worms or ticks and in this way leads to their death.

What is ivermectin?

For use, ivermectin is used in many types of parasitic infestation. It blocks the mobility of lice, worms or ticks and in this way leads to their death. Ivermectin is a so-called antiparasitic. In other words, a remedy that is used against the parasitic spread in humans and animals. Basically, it is a whitish to pale yellow powder that cannot be dissolved in water, but is mainly mixed with other carrier fluids for better administration. While ivermectin was commonly used in human medicine for a long time, its importance there is now waning. In contrast, the preparation is still widely used in veterinary medicine. It is used when humans and animals are externally infested with parasites, lice, ticks and mites. Likewise, however, worms in the organism can also be rendered harmless. The ivermectin leads to the death of the unwanted infestation and in this way initiates the subsequent recovery process.

Pharmacological action

In general, ivermectin can be well absorbed by the human and animal organism when administered. Shortly after ingestion, it is already detectable in fatty tissue as well as the liver. From there it is able to locate the chloride channels of the parasites. Such a channel is considered a transport pathway for ions and in turn leads to the mobility of invertebrates. However, the functionality of these channels is inhibited by ivermectin. Ions can no longer be discharged from the living organism. Instead, the flow is returned to the mite, tick or louse, causing an excess of chloride ions to build up in the living organism. Relief via the chloride channel is no longer possible due to the blocking ivermectin. Paralysis of the parasite initially follows. It exhibits a disturbance of mobility, can no longer move and likewise cannot escape its fate. In addition, it will no longer access the human organism and therefore will neither suck blood nor spread harmful substances. In this state, it is doomed to die and must ultimately perish from its paralysis. Ivermectin usually eliminates the infestation after one to two days.

Medicinal use and application

For use, ivermectin is used for many types of parasitic infestation. This can spread in the organism and colonize the intestine here, for example, in the form of threadworms. Likewise, hookworms are capable of gaining access to the human body by implanting themselves in it through the pores of the skin. In such cases, ivermectin is supposed to prevent the worms from exerting their damaging influence on the one hand, and on the other hand to prevent already deposited eggs from causing further disease. If, on the other hand, the infestation is on the skin, ivermectin will help in the same way. Here, for example, lice, ticks and mites that suck human blood or spread in the hair would have to be considered. In all the above cases, the preparation may be administered internally as well as externally. The dosage does not depend on the severity of the infestation, but on the physical constitution of the patient. He may also take the ivermectin at intervals of another six to 12 months as a preventive measure to avoid another outbreak, which could originate in particular from the laid eggs of the parasites.

Risks and side effects

The side effects of ivermectin have led to somewhat less recent use of the drug in human medicine. Primary among these are headache, nausea, and attacks of nervousness. A slight fever may also occur. If ivermectin is administered directly to the skin, i.e. used there as a cream or lotion, redness, itching and edema may occur. In addition, high-risk patients who already complain of chronic diseases not infrequently react with asthmatic attacks. It is also crucial that even after successful treatment with ivermectin, a medical follow-up examination should always take place to clarify whether the parasites have been comprehensively eliminated from the body.If this is not the case, a weakening of the immune system may occur in the course of the subsequent weeks. Ivermectin should therefore always be used under medical supervision.