Ivermectin for Humans: What is it and How is it Used?
Ivermectin is a medication that has been used for over 30 years to treat parasitic infections in humans and animals. It is on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of essential medicines, and it is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of a variety of parasitic infections.
Ivermectin works by paralyzing and killing the parasites that cause the infection. It is effective against a wide range of parasites, including mites, lice, and worms.
What are the Uses of Ivermectin in Humans?
Ivermectin is primarily used to treat parasitic infections, such as:
- River blindness (onchocerciasis): River blindness is a parasitic infection caused by a worm that lives in the skin and eyes. Ivermectin is used to kill the worm and prevent the disease from progressing.
- Strongyloidiasis: This is a parasitic infection caused by a type of roundworm. Ivermectin is used to kill the roundworm and prevent the disease from spreading.
- Scabies: Scabies is a skin condition caused by a mite that burrows into the skin. Ivermectin is used to kill the mite and relieve the symptoms of the disease.
In addition to these parasitic infections, ivermectin has also been studied as a potential treatment for other conditions, such as COVID-19.
What is the Evidence for Ivermectin as a Treatment for COVID-19?
Ivermectin has been proposed as a potential treatment for COVID-19 due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Several small studies have suggested that ivermectin may be effective in reducing the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and in preventing hospitalization.
One study conducted in Argentina found that patients who received ivermectin had a significantly lower risk of developing severe COVID-19 compared to those who did not receive the medication. Another study conducted in Egypt found that ivermectin reduced the duration of symptoms and viral shedding in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.
However, it is important to note that the research on ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19 is still ongoing, and more studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.
In fact, some larger and more rigorous studies have failed to find significant benefits of ivermectin in COVID-19 patients. For example, a large randomized controlled trial conducted in Colombia found that ivermectin did not significantly reduce the duration of COVID-19 symptoms or the risk of hospitalization compared to a placebo.
Additionally, the WHO and the FDA have both issued warnings against the use of ivermectin for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 outside of clinical trials or without the guidance of a healthcare professional.
What are the Side Effects of Ivermectin?
Like any medication, ivermectin can have side effects. The most common side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
In rare cases, ivermectin can cause more serious side effects, such as:
- Seizures
- Low blood pressure
- Liver damage
It is important to use ivermectin only under the guidance of a healthcare professional, who can monitor for any potential side effects and adjust the dosage if necessary.
Conclusion
Ivermectin is an FDA-approved medication