The Role of Ivermectin in Treating Parasitic Infections
Ivermectin is a Nobel Prize-winning antiparasitic drug that has revolutionized the treatment of several debilitating parasitic diseases since the 1980s [1.2.7]. It is included on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines [1.2.7]. For human use, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ivermectin in oral tablet form to treat two specific infections caused by parasitic worms: strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis [1.2.1, 1.2.3].
- Strongyloidiasis: This is an intestinal infection caused by a type of roundworm called Strongyloides stercoralis [1.2.6]. People usually acquire it from contact with contaminated soil, and it can cause gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea [1.2.3].
- Onchocerciasis (River Blindness): This condition is caused by the worm Onchocerca volvulus and is spread by blackfly bites [1.2.3]. It can lead to severe itching, rashes, and vision loss, including blindness [1.2.3, 1.2.6]. Ivermectin works by killing the developing worms (microfilariae) but does not kill the adult worms, which is why repeated doses are often necessary to control the infection [1.2.6, 1.3.2].
How Ivermectin Works
Ivermectin belongs to a class of drugs called anthelmintics [1.2.6]. Its primary mechanism of action is to interfere with the nerve and muscle functions of invertebrate parasites [1.4.3]. The drug binds with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nerve and muscle cells of these parasites [1.4.4]. This action increases the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions, leading to hyperpolarization of the cells, which results in paralysis and death of the parasite [1.4.4, 1.4.6]. Mammals are generally unaffected at therapeutic doses because these specific channels are located in the central nervous system and the blood-brain barrier typically prevents ivermectin from reaching them [1.4.3].
Off-Label and Other Uses
Beyond its primary FDA-approved uses, healthcare providers may prescribe ivermectin "off-label" for other parasitic infestations. This means the drug has shown effectiveness, but has not gone through the formal FDA approval process for that specific condition.
Common off-label uses include:
- Scabies: A skin infestation caused by a mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) [1.3.2]. Oral ivermectin is often used, sometimes in combination with topical treatments, especially for severe or crusted scabies [1.2.7].
- Head Lice (Pediculus humanus capitis): While topical ivermectin lotion (Sklice) is FDA-approved, oral ivermectin is sometimes used off-label to treat head lice [1.2.5, 1.3.1].
- Other Worm Infections: It has been used for other roundworm infections like ascariasis and filariasis [1.3.1, 1.3.3].
Additionally, topical formulations of ivermectin are FDA-approved for treating rosacea, a skin condition that can be exacerbated by Demodex mites [1.2.1, 1.3.2].
Comparison of Common Antiparasitic Drugs
Different antiparasitic drugs target different types of worms. A doctor will choose the best medication based on the specific parasite identified.
| Medication | Primary Parasite Targets | How it Works | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivermectin | Roundworms (e.g., Strongyloides, Onchocerca), mites (e.g., scabies) | Paralyzes the parasite by targeting its nervous system [1.4.7]. | River blindness, strongyloidiasis, scabies (off-label) [1.2.2]. |
| Albendazole | Broad-spectrum against roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes. | Disrupts the parasite’s metabolism and energy production [1.6.4]. | Hookworm, roundworm, whipworm, pinworm infections [1.6.2]. |
| Praziquantel | Tapeworms and flukes. | Causes severe spasms and paralysis of the parasite's muscles [1.6.1]. | Schistosomiasis, infections from various tapeworms [1.6.1]. |
The Dangers of Self-Medication
It is critically important to only take ivermectin prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider from a legitimate source [1.7.1]. The FDA has issued strong warnings against self-medicating, particularly with formulations intended for animals [1.7.3].
Key Risks of Improper Use:
- Toxicity and Overdose: Veterinary ivermectin products are highly concentrated for large animals like horses and cows. A dose meant for a large animal can be toxic and even fatal to a human [1.2.3]. Overdoses can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, dizziness, balance problems, seizures, coma, and death [1.7.1].
- Different Ingredients: Animal drugs may contain inactive ingredients that have not been evaluated for safety in humans [1.2.3].
- Lack of Efficacy for Unapproved Uses: The FDA has not authorized or approved ivermectin for treating or preventing viral illnesses like COVID-19, stating that available data does not show it is effective for these purposes [1.7.1].
Potential Side Effects
Even when taken as prescribed for approved uses, ivermectin can have side effects. Common ones include dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain [1.5.4]. More serious side effects can occur, such as severe skin reactions, seizures, low blood pressure, and liver inflammation [1.5.4]. In patients treated for onchocerciasis, a reaction to the dying parasites (Mazzotti reaction) can cause fever, itching, rash, and joint pain [1.5.6].
Conclusion
So, will ivermectin get rid of parasites in my body? The answer is yes, but only for specific parasites, and only when used correctly under medical supervision. It is a highly effective and essential medicine for FDA-approved conditions like river blindness and strongyloidiasis, as well as for certain off-label uses like scabies [1.2.1, 1.3.2]. However, its effectiveness is not universal for all parasites. The misuse of ivermectin, especially veterinary formulations, is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe health consequences, including death [1.7.1]. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any suspected parasitic infection.
For more information from an authoritative source, you can visit the FDA's Consumer Update on Ivermectin.
