Ivermectin medicine – Indication, Dosage, Side-effect

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In this blog, we learn about Ivermectin medicine which is available in market with brand names like vermact, stromectol, etc. 

ivermectin medicine
ivermectin structure

This medicine is helps to treat many types of parasite infestations like whipworm, roundworm, thread worm, scabies, head lice, lymphatic filariasis, etc.

It can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin for external infestations.

Ivermectin was discovered in 1975 and came into medical use in 1981. It is the most essential medicine on list of World Health Organization. It is FDA-approved as an antiparasitic agent.

We learn this topic in below format

INDICATION OF IVERMECTIN

  1. Scabies
    Skin disease caused by mite. In which there is severe itching at night
  2. Filariasis
    It is parasitic disease caused by infection of roundworms.
  3. Elephantiasis
    In this disease, limb or other part of body becomes grossly enlarged due to obstruction of the lymphatic vessel.

    elephantiasis
    elephantiasis
  4. Round worm infestation
  5. Whip worm infestation
  6. Thread worm infestation
  7. Pinworm infestation
  8. River blindness
  9. Covid 19
    Some studies suggest that this medicine can reduce the viral replication. This way it may be helpful in covid 19. However, there is controversy behind it. But, many countries using ivermectin in covid19.

CONTRAINDICATION

This medicine should not to patient who have

  • Hypersensitibity to this molecule
  • Central nervous system disorder

DOSAGE OF IVERMECTIN

It is given single dose therapy
Approx dose0.2mg /kg single dose

Adult 
12mg tablet generally given

Covid19
In covid19, 5-day course of ivermectin was found to be safe & effective in mild cases.

Once you take ivermectin medicine, effect of this drug will last for about 12 days in your body.

SIDE-EFFECT OF IVERMECTIN

Each & every molecule which have effect also have side-effect. But, it not occurs to everyone. It occurs to only who have sensitivity to particular molecule.

If adverse effect occurs, that may be one of below

  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Weakness or fatigue

SPECIAL PRECAUTION

Ivermectin medicine should not give to children below 5 years of age or weight less than 15 kg. 

It remains unclear that it is sage during pregnancy or not. So, better to avoid ivermectin during pregnancy. Ivermectin is secreted in very less amount in breast milk. 

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Ivermectin act by interfering with nerve and muscle function of parasite and insects.

This drug bind with glutamate gated chloride ion channels .

It leads to increase permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ion.

Finally, hyperpolarisation of nerve or muscle cell causes paralysis and death of parasite.

BRAND NAMES & STRENTH 

It is available in market with brand names like vemact, stromectol, iverdis, imectin, etc.

Strength
3mg tablet
6mg tablet
12mg tablet

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