Ivermectin: An Effective Antiparasitic Drug for Various Infections

Ivermectin is a prescription medication that belongs to the class of anthelmintics. It is used to treat and prevent various parasitic infections such as onchocerciasis (river blindness), intestinal strongyloidiasis (roundworm), scabies, head lice and lymphatic filariasis. It works by binding to the muscle and nerve cells of the parasites, causing their paralysis and death. This clears the infection from the body and prevents further transmission.

Uses and Benefits of Ivermectin

Ivermectin has been approved by the FDA and the WHO for human use since 1987. It has been widely used in many countries to control endemic parasitic diseases that affect millions of people, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Some of the benefits of ivermectin are:

• It is effective against a broad spectrum of parasites, including nematodes, arthropods and ectoparasites.
• It is safe and well-tolerated by most patients, with few and mild side effects.
• It is easy to administer, as it can be taken orally or applied topically.
• It is affordable and accessible, as it is available in generic forms and donated by the manufacturer to some countries.
• It has potential antiviral activity against some RNA and DNA viruses, such as dengue, Zika, yellow fever and others.

Ivermectin and COVID-19

Recently, there has been a lot of interest in ivermectin as a possible treatment or prevention for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Some studies have suggested that ivermectin may have antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 in laboratory settings or in animal models. However, these studies are not conclusive and do not provide enough evidence to support the use of ivermectin in humans for COVID-19. The FDA, the WHO and other health authorities have not approved ivermectin for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 in humans. They recommend that ivermectin should only be used for its approved indications or in clinical trials under strict supervision. They also warn against the misuse or overdose of ivermectin products intended for animals, as they can cause serious harm to humans. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before taking ivermectin for any reason. Do not self-medicate or buy ivermectin from unverified sources. Follow the official guidelines and recommendations for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.

Side Effects and Precautions of Ivermectin

Like any medication, ivermectin may cause some side effects in some people. The most common side effects are:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Skin rash
• Itching
• Fever
• Muscle or joint pain
• Lymph node swelling

These side effects are usually mild and transient, and do not require medical attention. However, if they persist or worsen, you should contact your doctor immediately. Some rare but serious side effects of ivermectin are:

• Allergic reactions such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.
• Severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Neurological complications such as seizures, confusion, coma or loss of vision.
• Liver or kidney damage.
• Blood disorders such as anemia, leukopenia or thrombocytopenia.

If you experience any of these side effects, you should seek emergency medical help right away. Before taking ivermectin, you should tell your doctor if you have any allergies, medical conditions or other medications. Some of the precautions to take are:

• Do not take ivermectin if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.
• Do not take ivermectin if you have liver or kidney disease, as it may affect the metabolism and elimination of the drug.
• Do not take ivermectin if you have cancer, HIV or AIDS, or any other condition that can weaken your immune system, as it may increase the risk of infections or complications.
• Do not take ivermectin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may harm the fetus or the baby.
• Do not take ivermectin with other medications that can interact with it, such as warfarin, benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, macrolide antibiotics or HIV protease inhibitors.
• Do not take ivermectin with alcohol or grapefruit juice, as they may affect the absorption and effectiveness of the drug.
• Do not drive or operate machinery after taking ivermectin, as it may cause drowsiness or dizziness.

Price and Availability of Ivermectin in Different Countries

Ivermectin is available in different countries under different brand names and formulations. The price and availability of ivermectin may vary depending on the country, the manufacturer, the supplier and the demand. The following table shows some examples of the price and availability of ivermectin in different countries, based on online sources as of October 2023. The prices are in US dollars and are approximate. The availability is subject to change and may depend on the prescription status, the stock level and the delivery options. The table is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or a recommendation of any product or service.

Price and Availability of Ivermectin in Different Countries

Country	Brand Name	Formulation	Dosage	Price per Unit	Reference
Australia	Stromectol	Tablet	3 mg	$1.50	Chemist Warehouse
Brazil	Ivermec	Cream	1%	$5.00	Drogaraia
Canada	Soolantra	Cream	1%	$10.00	Canada Drugs Direct
Egypt	Ivermin	Syrup	6 mg/5 ml	$0.50	Seif Online Pharmacy
India	Ivecop DT	Tablet (Dispersible)	6 mg	$0.10	MedPlus Mart
Mexico	Ivergot Plus	Suspension (Oral)	6 mg/ml + 40 mg/ml (Albendazole)	$2.00