How Ivermectin Works Against Common Parasitic Conditions

All Parasite Treatment Drugs Stop Parasites Dead in Their Tracks, Right?

Ok, that’s not technically how they work. But ivermectin is one of the few exceptions.

Ever since it was discovered over 40 years ago, billions of doses have been administered to patients across the globe.

Humans first started using it in the late 80s, and now it’s considered one of the safest and most-effective anti-parasitic agents available.

Interested in learning more about how this wonder drug works?

Let’s dive in…

What Topics Will Be Covered:

1. What Is Ivermectin?
2. How Does Ivermectin Kill Parasites?
3. Parasitic Conditions Ivermectin Treats
4. How To Take Ivermectin & What To Expect
5. Things To Consider Before Taking Ivermectin

What Is Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is a medication designed to fight both internal and external parasites. It’s been around since 1987 when it was deemed safe for human consumption by the FDA.

The drug was discovered by scientists named Satoshi Omura and William Campbell back in the 1970s. Omura and Campbell would eventually win the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015.

Interestingly enough, ivermectin is part of a group of drugs known as avermectins. Before its use in humans was discovered, avermectins were derived from bacteria that naturally occur in soil.

The origin of the drug is actually pretty neat…

Originally developed as a veterinary medication. Animals like horses, cattle and dogs were routinely treated with the drug to eliminate both internal and external parasites. Jump forward a few years to when someone realized just how powerful ivermectin could be for humans, and you have one of the most prescribed parasite treatment medications in the world.

Those looking to buy ivermectin canada from a licensed provider have access to a medicine that is tried-and-true. Decades of research has shown millions of people worldwide ivermectin’s effects on treating parasites. Approximately 250 million people use ivermectin annually to combat parasitic infections like filariasis, onchocerciasis, strongyloidiasis, scabies and pediculosis. And as research continues, that number continues to grow.

That’s a lot of parasites.

How Does Ivermectin Work Against Parasites?

You may be wondering: How can one drug target SO many different parasites?

Well, when you look at how exactly ivermectin works, it all starts to make sense.

Ivermectin affects parasites by attacking their neural and muscular systems. To do this, ivermectin binds to something called glutamate-gated chloride channels.

Here’s the breakdown on how it works:

When used at standard therapeutic doses, mammals do not have glutamate-gated chloride channels.

That means humans are unaffected. Instead, the chloride channels are found in parasites.

Once it attaches itself to these channels, here’s what happens:

1. Ivermectin attaches itself to the chloride channels located inside of the parasite
2. Channels open and will remain opened
3. Chloride ions are then released into the parasite’s body
4. Hyperpolarization of cell membranes occurs
5. Parasite dies

How does the body take care of the dead parasite? Simple. The immune system kicks in and clears out the dead invaders.

So how do we know this won’t hurt us?

Simple. Ivermectin does not affect the glutamate-gated chloride channels found in mammals. Well, not ones that you should be concerned with.

The ones that ivermectin does affect are located in the brain and spinal cord.

However, at normal therapeutic doses, ivermectin is not known to pass through the blood-brain barrier.

Think of how ivermectin works as hitting two birds with one stone.

Not only does it kill parasites with one simple drug, but it does so without hurting you in the process.

Parasitic Conditions Ivermectin Kills

Ivermectin’s effectiveness comes from its wide variety of uses.

For example, ivermectin works for both internal and external parasites. Due to this wide range of effectiveness, here are some of the most common conditions it treats.

Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)

Caused by the round worm Onchocerca volvulus and transmitted through blackfly bites, onchocerciasis can cause itching, skin discoloration and even blindness if left untreated. Estimates before treatment programs were put into place showed some 20–40 million people infected with the parasite and another 200 million at risk of contracting it. Ivermectin is commonly used to treat this condition.

Strongyloidiasis

Symptoms of strongyloidiasis include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and rashes. However, many people who are infected by this disease experience no symptoms at all. Infections are caused by contact with soil that has been contaminated with roundworm larvae.

Scabies

Patients inflicted with scabies are infested with a type of mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei. Depending on the severity of the infestation, ivermectin can be prescribed in both oral or topical forms.

Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis)

Lymphatic filariasis is described as a “neglected tropical disease.” Patients who suffer from this disease have their lymph systems impaired which can lead to swelling, pain and eventual disability.

Head Lice

Typically prescribed as a topical cream, ivermectin can kill head lice when other medications fail.

Why is ivermectin so effective at treating all of these conditions? Remember how it works.

It attacks parasites’ nervous systems with minimal to no effect on the host’s body.

How To Take Ivermectin & What To Expect

Depending on the condition being treated, there are three different ways to take ivermectin.

Oral Tablet

Used to treat internal parasites like strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis.

Topical Cream/Lotion

Ivermectin can be used in a cream or lotion form. Typical uses include treating rosacea, head lice and some scabies infections.

Injectable

Strictly used for large animals. Ivermectin injectables are not used for human consumption.

Dosage depends on the individual’s body weight, as well as the condition being treated.

For most illnesses, standard dosage for an adult ranges from 150–200 micrograms of body weight.

Lymphatic filariasis is usually prescribed at a higher dosage of 400 micrograms.

One thing you may not know about ivermectin is…

Depending on the condition, treatment could take weeks or be effective immediately.

As mentioned earlier, head lice can be treated with topical applications of ivermectin. Some patients experience results immediately after application.

On the other hand, something like onchocerciasis requires long-term, continuous treatment. Ivermectin is typically administered every six months for patients treating this disease. The medicine can stay in the body for up to 12 days after each dosage.

Things To Consider Before Taking Ivermectin

Ivermectin should always be used under the direction of a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Taking ivermectin without being prescribed it by a medical professional is not recommended.

Here are some things to remember when taking ivermectin:

• Only treat with formulations made for humans. Most veterinarians will prescribe medications specifically designed for their animals. These are not safe for human consumption.
• Measure the dosage. Ivermectin is potent and effective when taken correctly. Too high of a dosage can lead to serious side effects.
• Some infections will require multiple courses of ivermectin to clear the infection. Make sure to complete the full dosage if this is the case.
• Inform the prescribing doctor of any other medicines being taken when prescribed ivermectin.

There have been numerous studies conducted on ivermectin. Many systematic reviews and meta analyses have been done to prove the efficacy and safety of ivermectin.

Conclusion

There you have it.

Ivermectin truly is one of the most effective parasite treatment medications out there.

Its mode of action is efficient and shows no known negative effects on the human body.

Studies continue to come out proving millions of people around the world wrong for doubting ivermectin.

When used correctly, under the direction of a healthcare professional, ivermectin can treat and kill parasites.

Let’s Review

• Ivermectin binds itself to chloride channels located in parasites
• Ivermectin is used to treat several conditions, some of the most notable being:
  • Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)
  • Strongyloidiasis
  • Scabies
  • Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis)
  • Head Lice
• There are three forms of administration when it comes to taking ivermectin: Oral, Topical and Injectable
• Always take ivermectin under the direction of a medical professional