Sunday, September 14, 2025

Ivermectin: A Multifaceted Drug?


Ivermectin


1. Origin and History

Ivermectin was discovered in the 1970s by Satoshi Ōmura and William Campbell as part of the avermectin derivatives, initially intended for veterinary use. Later, it was approved for humans in 1987–1988 under names like Mectizan. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)


2. Approved Human Uses – Antiparasitics

In humans, ivermectin is approved for several parasitic infections, including:

  • Onchocerciasis (“river blindness”).

  • Strongyloidiasis.

  • Others such as filariasis, ascariasis, trichuriasis, cutaneous larva migrans, gnathostomiasis, scabies, and lice. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

It is also approved for topical use in dermatological conditions such as rosacea, reducing inflammation and Demodex mites. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)


3. Studies on COVID-19

Interest in ivermectin as a potential COVID-19 treatment surged, but results were mostly negative or inconclusive:

  • In vitro tests showed that ivermectin inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication within 48 hours. (sciencedirect.com)

  • However, human clinical trials:

    • A large NEJM trial concluded ivermectin did not reduce hospitalizations in mild cases. (nejm.org)

    • The Malaysian I-TECH study found ivermectin did not prevent disease progression in high-risk patients with mild to moderate COVID. (jamanetwork.com)

    • A meta-analysis concluded there is no solid evidence of mortality reduction or clinical benefit. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Authorities such as the FDA, WHO, and EMA do not recommend ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment or prevention, except within clinical trials. (fda.gov)


4. Potential Use in Cancer

Several preclinical studies (cells, animals) explored ivermectin as an anticancer drug:

⚠️ But these are preclinical findings—clinical trials in humans are still lacking.


5. Commercial Brands and Formulations

For humans:

  • Stromectol® (oral tablets).

  • Mectizan® (widely used in public health donation programs).

  • Sklice® (lotion for lice).

  • Soolantra® (topical cream for rosacea). (en.wikipedia.org)

For animals:

  • Ivomec® (Merial, cattle/horses).

  • Oral pastes for horses: Bimectin, DuraMectin, Intermectin Paste, IverQuest.

  • Other equine/veterinary combinations with praziquantel.


6. Why Human vs. Animal Versions Differ

  1. Dosage/strength – veterinary formulations are made for animals weighing 400–600 kg.

  2. Excipients – inactive ingredients in animal products are not tested for human safety.

  3. Regulation – human medicines pass through strict FDA/EMA trials, animal ones do not.

  4. Toxicity risks – overdoses can cause neurological damage (seizures, coma, low blood pressure).


7. Comparative Evidence

Indication / Use Evidence Level Human Approved? Current Recommendation
Parasitic infections High (onchocerciasis, strongyloides, etc.) Yes Approved use
Scabies, lice, rosacea High (clinical trials) Yes Approved use
COVID-19 Low/inconclusive No Not recommended
Cancer (preclinical) Experimental No Research only

8. Rumors vs. Reality

  • Rumor: horse paste ivermectin cures COVID or “cleanses parasites” in humans.

    • Reality: risky because of toxic excipients and excessive dosing.

  • Rumor: ivermectin is a “hidden cure” for cancer/COVID.

    • Reality: clinical trials so far don’t support this. Authorities discourage self-medication.


Conclusion

Ivermectin is a powerful antiparasitic drug with proven benefits in tropical diseases and dermatological conditions. It has a remarkable humanitarian history through mass-donation programs. However, its use for COVID-19 or cancer remains unproven in humans. Veterinary formulations are not safe substitutes for human prescriptions.


#invermectin

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