Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Ivermectin

Ivermectin: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is obtained from a highly active broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent called Avermectin. It is an anthelmintic drug used commonly to treat parasitic infections.
It helps prevent complications in people with suppressed or poor immune systems who are suffering from roundworm infection. Ivermectin operates by first paralyzing and later killing the parasites.
Each dose of Ivermectin contains 3 mg of Ivermectin powder and a few inert materials like silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, cellulose, and pregelatinized starch. Its color varies from yellowish-white to white.

What are the uses of Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic drug and commonly used to treat the following:

  1. Onchocerciasis: An infection caused by the bite of black flies, which manifests as skin itching and vision impairment
  2. Strongyloidiasis: Ivermectin is prescribed in the treatment of strongyloidiasis, which manifests through abdominal pain and diarrhea
  3. Scabies: Ivermectin is prescribed for treating scabies, another skin infection that causes red rashes and itching

In the initial COVID-19 wave, Ivermectin was prescribed widely to prevent and treat the viral disease. However, there is no credible science to back this claim.

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    What are the side effects of Ivermectin?

    Minor side effects include:

    • Rashes
    • Fever
    • Itching
    • Dizziness

    Significant side effects include:

    • Swelling of face, arms, legs, feet, and hands
    • Headaches
    • Increased heart rate
    • Muscular pain and spasm

    Do not consume alcohol with Ivermectin. Alcohol causes an increased concentration of this drug in the bloodstream. This may eventually enhance its side effects. Ivermectin also impacts the effects of drugs like warfarin and oxcarbazepine.

    What is Ivermectin

    Uses of Ivermectin

    Side effects of Ivermectin

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Ivermectin

    No, Ivermectin is not a steroid. Steroids are drugs that mimic the action of cortisol and prevent the body from swelling. Some common steroids are prednisolone, betamethasone, etc. On the other hand, Ivermectin is an anthelmintic drug. Anthelmintic medicines are drugs that are beneficial in treating infections caused by parasites like Onchocerciasis Strongyloidiasis, Pediculosis, Gnathostomiasis and Myiasis. Consult our medical practitioners to know more about the use of Ivermectin. Click here.

    Ivermectin should be consumed on an empty stomach or at least 1 hour before any meal. The dose depends on the nature of your illness and your weight. Above all, take Ivermectin as advised by your physician. If you have any doubts, please reach out to our specialists at Yashoda Hospitals.

    Take Ivermectin as directed by your physician. Ivermectin is a drug not to be taken without consulting a medical expert. It is regularly prescribed to treat onchocerciasis, strongyloidiasis, scabies, and previously, for covid-19. Consult our expert medical practitioners at Yashoda Hospitals to know when to take Ivermectin.

    Yes, Ivermectin is safe for adults when prescribed by expert medical practitioners. However, note that:
    • Ivermectin stays in the blood for upto 18 hours. Hence, expecting mothers and breastfeeding mothers should take it only after consultation and with extreme caution.
    • Ivermectin should not be prescribed to children weighing less than 15 kg.

    No, Ivermectin is not an antibiotic. Antibiotics are a class of medicines used to treat bacterial infections. Some common examples of antibiotics are azithromycin, amoxicillin, etc. On the other hand, Ivermectin is an Anthelmintic drug. Anthelmintic medicines are drugs that treat infections caused by parasites like Onchocerciasis Strongyloidiasis, Pediculosis, Gnathostomiasis and Myiasis.

    Ivermectin is an anthelmintic medicine. It is beneficial in the treatment of parasitic infections like Strongyloidiasis, Pediculosis, Gnathostomiasis and Myiasis. Ivermectin binds to the nerve cells of parasites and makes them permeable to chloride. This results in causing paralysis in the parasites and ultimately it leads to the death of the parasite.

    Ivermectin can stay in the body for an appreciable duration.
    • Blood Circulation: Ivermectin can stay active for up to 18 hours in blood circulation
    • Intestines: In the system, it can persist for an even longer duration. It can stay in the intestines for up to 12 days and during that time it continues to portray antiparasitic effects.
    It should be noted that in people suffering from liver or kidney disease the metabolism of Ivermectin is impacted. Due to the same, it can stay in the system for a longer duration in people with liver and kidney diseases.

    Ivermectin is prescribed as part of a short-term regime. The dosage and duration of the drug depend on the age and nature of your disease. Usually, a single dose may be prescribed to you, which may be followed by a follow-up dose if the symptoms persist. In people with Liver function disease, the concentration of Ivermectin cannot be regulated as the metabolism of the medicine is affected. In such patients, the medicine should only be consumed under physicians advice. Consult our expert medical practitioners at Yashoda Hospitals Click here.

    Ivermectin is safe for humans. It was developed in response to the growing concern caused by the fast-spreading of Onchocerciasis (or River Blindness) infection, especially in African countries. Currently, it is widely used to treat onchocerciasis and other parasitic infections like Strongyloidiasis, Pediculosis, Gnathostomiasis and Myiasis effectively.

    Yes, Ivermectin is easily available. It was much in demand for treating Covid-19. You can buy Ivermectin from your local pharmacist but it is available only on prescription. It is not an OTC medicine.
    To know more about Ivermectin or any other medical query and consult the topmost specialists from India's most trusted healthcare group, Yashoda Hospitals, Click here.
    S.no Product Name Dosage Form
    1. Bandy-Plus Ivermectin (6mg) + Albendazole (400mg) Chewable Tablet
    2. Bandy-Plus Ivermectin (1.5mg) + Albendazole (200mg) Suspension
    3. Ivermectol 12mg Tablet