The World Health Organization (WHO) uses the well-known medication ivermectin to treat worm infections because it is an effective treatment for ant parasites. It is quite secure for anyone to use. Let’s discuss the dosages, effects, and uses of ivermectin.
Potential benefits of Ivermectin
Usually, pills are used to deliver ivermectin orally. Onchocerciasis, a human filarial illness brought on by the parasite onchocercid volvulus, is treated by it. Ivermectin aids in the removal of microfilariae, which build up in the eye and eventually cause blindness, even though it does not kill the adult parasite. Improving your quality of life is aided by treating parasite illnesses. Curing roundworm infections significantly lowers the chance of acquiring a severe or potentially fatal infection in patients with compromised immune systems. The anthelmintic class of drugs, which includes ivermectin cream and tablets, paralyzes and kills parasites.
coronavirus illness. Ask your physician about the advantages and disadvantages. Ask your physician about the advantages and disadvantages. As the parasites start to die within a few days of beginning onchocerciasis treatment, patients may feel fever, itching, swollen lymph nodes, joint discomfort, eye pain, and changes in eyesight.
Guidelines for using Ivermectin
Oral ivermectin tablets are used as a temporary remedy. If you don’t take it as directed, you risk major issues. Your parasite infection cannot be treated if you stop taking your medication abruptly or don’t take it at all. On an empty stomach, take one or more Ivermectin pills orally with a glass of water (at least one hour before a meal). The doctor should be the one to prescribe the appropriate dosage of ivermectin, which is typically one dose or several doses. The patient’s weight, health, and response to therapy are typically taken into account while determining the dosage.
In certain cases, particularly when the patient has a compromised immune system, the doctor may prescribe Ivermectin at different intervals for several months to a year following the initial dose in order to effectively treat the infection. Consult your physician if your illness persists or worsens.
Dosage information for parasite infection in the intestinal tract
Adults (18–64 years old) and children (0–17 years old) should take 200 mcg/kg of body weight in one dosage. The majority of patients just need one dosage. The safety and efficacy of this medication for kids under 15 kg has not been established.
Senior dosage: If you’re 65 years of age or older, your liver might not be functioning at its best. Your body may process medications more slowly as a result of this. This means that a greater amount of this medication may stay in your body for a longer amount of time. Side effects are more likely as a result of this.
Dosage for parasitic infection in skin or eyes
Adult dose (18–64 years old) When taking 150 mcg/kg of body weight in one dose, adults and children who weigh 15 kg or more should take this dosage. Following that, you will require more rounds of therapy with this medication and follow-up visits with your healthcare provider. When you will take Ivermectin again will be determined by your healthcare provider. In as little as three months, you might start therapy once more.
Ivermectin not approved for coronavirus
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved ivermectin for the treatment or prevention of Covid-19. The risks of using higher dosages of this medication for unauthorized purposes have been highlighted by the FDA. Ivermectin is one prescription medication that you should never take unless your doctor specifically instructs you to. Consult your physician if you have any questions about taking ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19.
Ivermectin side effects
Ivermectin used orally may make you sleepy. It may result in further adverse effects. The adverse effects of ivermectin vary depending on the illness being treated. When this medication is used to treat intestinal infections, side symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, itching, appetite loss, fatigue, sleepiness, itching, low energy, and drowsiness are frequently observed.
When this medication is used to treat infections of the skin and eyes, more frequent side effects happen. These consist of rash, itching, fever, eye issues, joint discomfort, edema, and sensitive, enlarged lymph nodes. If these side effects are minor, they can go away in a few days or a few weeks. If symptoms are severe and do not go away, see your doctor.
Serious side effects
Speak with your doctor right away if you experience severe Ivermectin side effects, if your symptoms seem dangerous, or if you believe you require emergency care. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include back and neck pain, severe skin reactions (redness, blistering skin, peeling skin, swelling, pain, bleeding, and loss of vision), confusion, shortness of breath, extreme drowsiness, extreme tiredness, coma, seizures, and symptoms of low blood pressure (fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness). Liver damage can also result from severe adverse effects.
Summary
The preferred medication for treating onchocerciasis is ivermectin. Although it has not been clinically tested for usage in children under the weight of 15 kg, it is commercially accessible in the US. On an empty stomach, a single dose of 150 ug/kg of ivermectin is given. Ivermectin use in humans has infrequently been linked to a number of adverse effects, such as chest pain, edema in the face and extremities, confusion, seizures, back and neck pain, and loss of consciousness.
See Also: Ivermectin: What Is It? Does Ivermectin Help with Covid?