Ivermectin (Stromectol): Benefits, Uses for Humans, Warnings

Ivermectin is an insecticide that comes in pill form, with a variety of uses. It is used to prevent recurring infestations of head lice, scabies, and other parasites that are transmitted from person to person. Ivermectin is also used in veterinary medicine for heartworms in dogs and cats.

When taken orally by mouth, Ivermectin kills most types of parasitic worms called nematodes or roundworms that cause numerous diseases, including:

  • River Blindness (Onchocerciasis);
  • Elephantiasis;
  • Lymphatic Filariasis;
  • Trichuriasis;
  • Ascariasis;
  • Hookworm Disease;
  • Strongyloidiasis.

Ivermectin and How It All Started

Ivermectin is a semi-synthetic drug that was accidentally developed by Merck & Co. in the early 1980s to deal with parasites, especially those found in livestock. It is used to treat people with river blindness and elephantiasis. The drug is also used to prevent and treat onchocerciasis. It has also been found useful in the treatment of fluke infections, lungworm infections, and parasitic diseases of the central nervous system.

This drug is a member of a class of drugs which are known as macrocyclic lactones or avermectins. It includes:

  • Milbemycin;
  • Ivermectin;
  • Doramectin;
  • Selamectin;
  • Abamectin.

The primary effect of these drugs is to interfere with the functioning of nerve cells or neuromuscular junction like endocrine-disrupting substances do. This causes congenital hydrocephalus in many cases. Ivermectin interferes with the function of potassium channels, calcium channels, and sodium channels. The drug can also cause direct damage to the nerves and also cause interference when interacting with neurotransmitters.

Ivermectin vs Stromectol

The most common parasitic infection seen in the United States is roundworm infestation, which when left untreated can lead to other life-threatening conditions. Ivermectin and Stromectol (which is a powerful generic replacement) are two habitual classes of medications that are used to treat roundworm infestation. These medicines have different mechanisms of action and may be more or less effective depending on the individual health condition.

Ivermectin and Stromectol are meds of the same effectiveness. They have the same active ingredients. You should merely consult your doctor about the dosage.

Stromectol, which is sold under the names Ivermectin, Moxidectin, and Iver-Max, is a deworming agent that has been used for over 30 years. It is most often prescribed to treat parasites such as pinworms and roundworms. When prescribed for pinworm infestation, it is only considered effective when used combined with an antibiotic treatment course.

Treating roundworm infestation (Ascaris) with Stromectol may require multiple doses over a period of weeks or months. While it may initially cause mild side effects similar to the ones associated with other deworming medications, such as nausea and vomiting, Stromectol does not have the same risk of blood clotting. Many people taking this med report that it is a very effective option. Its effectiveness may be not so powerful in children under the age of two due to greater potential for causing gastrointestinal health problems.

On top of being classified as a safe medication, Stromectol has also been shown as a powerful treatment option against malaria. It has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. That’s the reason why many people think it’s effective for COVID-19. However, this information demands additional proof from the scientific society.

Ivermectin, also sold under the name Stromectol, has long been considered a safe and effective dewormer. It works by reducing the number of parasites in the body by disrupting the nervous system controlling their growth. You can take Ivermectin orally or inject it. When used orally, it is the most effective. Like Stromectol, it may be prescribed to treat parasites such as roundworm infestation and pinworms.

Prescription medication can be expensive, with higher costs for children and adults under 65 years old because of higher insurance premiums. If you buy Ivermectin from online services, you’ll get the possibility to purchase a cheaper alternative that is as effective as a brand version.

Ivermectin and Stromectol Are Almost Identical

  • They are based on the same active ingredient;
  • They demonstrate the same effectiveness;
  • Stromectol is cheaper because it’s a generic alternative.

Benefits for Buying Ivermectin

Ivermectin is a powerful medication that has some special qualities that make it far and away from the most commonly prescribed topical commercial anti-parasitic pharmaceutical products. It has additional benefits and can be purchased without a prescription.

  • Firstly, Ivermectin controls onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness;
  • Secondly, it is safe for human use when taken orally;
  • Thirdly, there are no reported side effects of Ivermectin when used topically or taken orally in the recommended doses with one exception: erythema multiforme, which is rare and temporary that will disappear in no more than a couple of weeks.

There are other important benefits of Ivermectin when used topically such as control of mites and ticks, head lice, and scabies. These are all serious skin conditions that affect millions of people around the world each year and they are mostly underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Ivermectin has been shown to be an effective treatment for scabies in both adults and children.

Other topical uses include hair loss, acne, dandruff, ringworm, dry skin, and psoriasis.

Is Ivermectin Dangerous for People?

Ivermectin appears to be very safe when taken by mouth. Some side effects may occur, but they are usually minor and go away within a day or two.

One important note is that there is an increased risk of seizures in people who take ivermectin along with antibiotic treatment.

A few people who have taken Ivermectin have developed serious side effects. These included:

  • Anemia (low red blood cell count), which makes you weak and tired;
  • Headache;
  • Muscle pain or cramping;
  • Urinary retention;
  • Liver damage with symptoms such as itching, jaundice, nausea, and unusual tiredness.

There is very little information on the safety of taking Ivermectin many times in a row. It appears to be safe in some people who take it regularly for more than a year to clear river blindness. However, it is not clear if this med continues working overtime.

Does Ivermectin Help for Coronavirus?

It’s hard to find reliable information about whether Ivermectin will help with COVID-19. It sounds like it might, but it doesn’t always work that way. Here are the experiences of two people who tried using ivermectin for their COVID-19 infection. One helped, one didn’t.

Josh: I took Ivermectin about 6 weeks after getting COVID-19, and it seemed to help improve my health for a while but I’m still experiencing some neurological issues so my physical practitioner is still out on whether it helped or not.

Kevin: I got COVID-19 in November of last year. I had seen a neurologist at the time and he put me on medication for anxiety and depression. I was completely bedridden for about a month and a half. Sometimes I was unable to walk. I was on Ivermectin for about two weeks out of the 5 or so. It did nothing for the pain that radiated throughout my brain and body, but I did notice that it helped with the dizziness and nausea. Unfortunately, it didn’t help my mental symptoms at all. I can’t say for sure whether it was Ivermectin or not, but I don’t know if I’d recommend it to anyone.

Learn the Facts About Ivermectin

Ivermectin has turned into a hot topic recently. Some people say that it’s a powerful treatment for COVID-19. Patients are asking their physicians for prescriptions of the anti-parasitic drugs, even if they were initially created for animals.

Here’s What You Need to Know about Ivermectin

Ivermectin has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in form of tablets to treat people with certain parasitic infections. It is also effective for people with head lice and rosacea. Another version and higher dosage of the drug is approved for use in animals as a de-wormer.

It has been hypothesized that Ivermectin could slow or stop the coronavirus from replicating inside the human body. So far, clinical trials, that have tested Ivermectin for the prevention of COVID-19 have not convinced major public health organizations that the drug should be used for those purposes. More studies are ongoing.

With COVID-19, many medications have been under evaluation to determine any potential use and potential efficacy, but we need more investigation before we use something like ivermectin for COVID-19. This was stated by Christian Rojas Moreno, MD, an MU Health Care infectious disease doctor. The National Institutes of Health and societies for infectious diseases are not endorsing the use of Ivermectin at any dose at this point for effective use against COVID-19.

The only situations where humans with COVID-19 would get Ivermectin would be in the context of a clinical trial. We hope we can get more data in the future, but as of today, we can’t recommend Ivermectin for anyone willing to use it against coronavirus disease.

Under no circumstances should you ever take any drug intended for animals. Rojas Moreno said the side effects of high doses of Ivermectin include:

  • Nausea;
  • Vomiting;
  • Diarrhea;
  • Dizziness;
  • Seizures;
  • Coma.

That’s where the danger comes. If somebody decides to use animal Ivermectin, without the doctor’s recommendation, because the dose may be much higher, the potential for toxicity is high.

More Facts About Ivermectin

One of the most common questions that I hear about Ivermectin is: “Is it safe for people?.” I am glad to report that the answer is yes! Ivermectin has been used to treat parasitic infections in humans for decades, and it has turned out to be very safe. (You can give yourself an injection at home without fear of side effects!) Of course, you should have a consultation with your doctor first.

I hope this article helps people understand whether or not they should take Ivermectin, and if there are any potential side effects. You should be careful enough and have a consultation with your doctor to make sure Ivermectin is suitable for you.

What is Ivermectin Used For in Humans?

Ivermectin has been used in humans since 1985 to treat parasitic infections. It has been used to treat nematodes (roundworms), Strongyloides, and other parasites such as crithidia. Ivermectin medications are usually given with a single dose over a period of a few days.

Side Effects of Using Ivermectin for People

After decades of use by humans, no major side effects have been reported. The most common side effect is irritation at the place of injection, but this is only temporary for most people. Ivermectin is not considered poisonous, but it can cause insignificant side effects.

What Are the Benefits of Using Ivermectin for People?

There are no known benefits of using Ivermectin for people. The most common concerns about this medication are related to whether or not the medication will work. Ivermectin does not cure disease, so do not expect too much. There are no known side effects of Ivermectin use in humans, but it should be used with caution and in consultation with a medical practitioner.

In humans, Ivermectin is safe to use, but if it has not been used for a while, or there is little time between doses, it should be avoided.

Why Is Ivermectin So Important in Humans?

Ivermectin is a very effective medication for parasitic infections. It kills worms and parasites such as nematodes or crithidia. With humans using this medication for over 30 years, there is no reason not to use Ivermectin.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. This information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. All before use, readers are advised to consult their local health care provider.

4 Facts to Know

There’s no official scientific proof that Ivermectin is helpful against COVID-19. FDA has not approved Ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19. The number of studies is insufficient to show if it is safe for use in humans.
Ivermectin initially created for animals can be toxic for people. The types of Ivermectin intended for animals usually have a high concentration. initially, they are created for larger animals. People can overdose if they don’t consult with their doctors. Some people have been hospitalized after taking Ivermectin. Remember that Ivermectin overdose can cause death if you don’t get in touch with your medical practitioner first.

You should make an emergency call if you have any of these symptoms after taking Ivermectin:

  • Nausea;
  • Vomiting;
  • Diarrhea;
  • Dizziness;
  • Blurred vision;
  • Headache;
  • Fast heartbeat;
  • Balance problems;
  • Confusion.
Even the right dose of Ivermectin can contact with other drugs you might take regularly. For instance, Ivermectin can interact with blood thinners. Use Ivermectin with your doctor’s permission. If your doctor gives you a prescription for Ivermectin, use it fully in line with the recommendation. Never consume products meant for animals.
Getting vaccinated is the best decision. Vaccines are free and safe. You don’t have to use Ivermectin to save yourself from the virus. Vaccines work, as well as wearing a mask and social distancing. Even if you wash your hand regularly, you get significant protection from COVID-19. Of course, shots are safer than Ivermectin.

Bottom Line

Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent, and it can kill parasites both by contact and ingestion. It is used to treat parasitic infections of the skin, hair, eyes, ears, and lungs (for veterinary purposes), of dogs and horses; intestinal worms in sheep and cattle; heartworm in dogs; lungworms in ruminants (cattle or sheep); certain tapeworms. Ivermectin can be given to humans on prescription as well as for self-treatment against pinworms. The drug will also kill mites and some lice.

Basic Facts

  • Ivermectin is a very powerful drug for scabies;
  • It is not always helpful for humans (consult your doctor first);
  • It is not helpful for coronavirus (there’s no scientific proof for it).
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