Share With Your Friends
Various medications have been made popular by the media regarding their role in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Ivermectin is no exception, but it is well known for a high number of overdoses. This article is not medical advice but we are increasingly being asked about Ivermectin so wanted to share with our customers what it does and how it is used for information purposes.
What is Ivermectin? Is it safe to take?
Ivermectin (Stromectol®) belongs to the class of medications known as antiparasitic agents. Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic prescription medication that is available topically and orally for internal and external parasite infection. It is most commonly prescribed as 3mg tablets. Ivermectin is commonly prescribed for strongyloidiasis, onchocerciasis, lice, and even scabies. Ivermectin is a safe medication when used at appropriate dosages under the supervision of a physician. Ivermectin is safe for use in children who weigh fifteen kilograms or more.
Ivermectin is an affordable and effective medicine, however, large doses intended for animal use can be fatal in humans. The FDA has not authorized ivermectin for use in preventing or treating COVID-19 in humans.
How effective is oral ivermectin?
Ivermectin is extremely effective at eradicating anti-parasitic infections both internal and external. When used for river blindness, intestinal strongyloidiasis, head lice, and rosacea it is not only effective but generally well tolerated and cost-effective.
When is the best time to take ivermectin?
It is important to take ivermectin properly in order to treat the infection. Oral ivermectin should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. Ivermectin tablets must be taken with regard to meals by either taking it 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after.
Can Ivermectin be used for COVID-19?
During the pandemic, many medications have had their fifteen minutes of fame as possible COVID-19 cures. Many medicines have been highly discussed in the media, but have little clinical evidence or meaningful data to support their use. Ivermectin is no different.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised against the unauthorized use of ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19 in humans. However, it is safe to use when prescribed by a healthcare professional for parasitic infections.
There are laboratory data that shows ivermectin could slow the replication of the COVID-19, however, the doses required to achieve this effect are toxic in human patients. Ivermectin for humans with COVID-19 is not FDA approved.
What are the side effects of ivermectin?
Like any other medication, ivermectin can cause adverse effects, even when used for appropriate indications. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headache are commonly reported. This medication can make patients experience significant dizziness which can be multiplied by drinking alcohol. It is important to not drive or operate heavy machinery while on ivermectin. Although rare, some patients experience hypotension.
Ivermectin Products for Animals Are Different from Ivermectin Products for People
Ivermectin is commonly used in veterinary medicine. The dosage forms intended for animals come in much higher dosages than those used meant for human use, and can often be obtained without a prescription in some areas of the U.S. Easy access to these high dosage forms can lead to overdoses that require medical attention.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers has reported a concerning increase in the number of ivermectin overdoses compared to pre-pandemic times. Treatment with ivermectin is well known to cause cardiac arrhythmias at approved doses. At high doses, ivermectin can cause side effects such as low blood pressure, seizures, coma, and even lead to death.
Ivermectin for animals comes in different dosage forms than those for humans such as pour-on, injectable, “drench”, and paste is all approved for use in animals. Taking ivermectin without the supervision of a health care provider should be avoided.
Ivermectin Contraindications
Ivermectin is contraindicated to kids under five years old or weighed over 230 kilograms (26 pounds) and adults with liver or renal. It is unclear whether it is safe while pregnant in the majority of cases of children. Serious harm and mortality associated with the ivermac treatment may be seen in patients with large loads in their blood, or with low blood counts. There are concerns of brain injury following colossal doses and cranial over exhaled medication which in most mammals will cause a central nervous-stimulatory depression.
Development of ivermectin for human use
Of the many known diseases, the “Onchocerciasis” epidemic has been widespread all through its era. In the human environment, Onchocerciasis is considered a closely related parasitic animal that has a limited geographical area and may also carry the same genitals. Unfortunately, this species has been limited to the human race and many species of primates. Between 1977 and 1992 as a result of a study by TDR in the United Kingdom, the US government-funded an extensive diagnostic coding program: $25 million to $2,000.
Advantages of ivermectin for treating Onchocerciasis
DEC has traditionally been a treatment that treats patients with osteocercal infections. DEC focuses mainly on reducing the size of the anterior microfilaria and keeping eyes clear for as much as an additional year. The rapid elimination results in ocular injury due to inflammatory reactions. Contrary to DEC, ivermectin has been shown to prevent the crossing of the blood barrier, stopping it from forming into the salivary barrier and in the intestines.
What are some of the medications that I can take to reduce the symptoms of COVID-19 at home?
There is a variety of prescription and over-the-counter options to help with the symptoms of COVID-19. For pain relief, try using Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), or Aleve (naproxen). These medications will help with the body aches and headaches seen in COVID-19 patients. Ask one of our pharmacists which is best for you, especially if you have high blood pressure or stomach ulcers. Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, and getting plenty of rest.
An intense cough can be managed with an OTC cough suppressant such as dextromethorphan (Delsym). Expectorants such as Robitussin and Mucinex make mucous easier to clear from your respiratory tract. Be sure to drink plenty of water when using Robitussin or Mucinex for optimal effect.
L-arginine is a commonly available OTC amino acid supplement. There is new evidence that shows patients with depleted levels of this amino acid are more likely to develop the permanent lung injury associated with COVID-19. What we know about its effectiveness is limited, however, it is far safer than other agents. Always consult with your physician before beginning any supplements.
High-dose zinc, high-dose ascorbic acid, and the combination of both were studied as potential options for decreasing the severity of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms. Neither agent alone, or in combination with each other has significant
Ivermectin Dosing
This medication is different from one patient to another. Observe the instructions given by your doctor or the instructions on the label. Depending on the power of medicine there are many factors that affect the dosage. The number of doses taken a few days after meals, the time between the two doses, and how long you use the medicine vary according to what the medical situation entails. The duration of time you have to take your medication is also a factor in the duration of dosing.
Prescription Ivermectin
Ivermectin can be prescribed by a doctor for COVID19 but is not available to humans over the counter.