Ivermectin is primarily known as a tool in fighting parasitic infections, but did you know it has several potential uses that extend far beyond parasites? From river blindness to head lice, ivermectin has made a huge impact on global health. Most recently, ivermectin has been studied for its potential role in fighting viruses like COVID-19. Below, we’ll share how ivermectin is used worldwide and how it may be used to treat other conditions in the future. 

What is Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication that was discovered in the 1970s by Dr. Satoshi Ōmura and Dr. William Campbell. Though originally developed for use in veterinary medicine, it was later determined to be safe in humans as well. The two were eventually awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 for their groundbreaking research that transformed public health internationally.

Ivermectin works by disrupting the nervous and muscular systems of parasites, paralyzing and killing them. It targets specific chloride channels that exist in the parasites but not humans, making it safe for human consumption. Once the larvae and adult parasites are killed, they are unable to reproduce or lay more eggs, resulting in the death of the disease. 

Some of the most common conditions ivermectin treats around the world include head lice, scabies, and strongyloidiasis. 

Ivermectin’s Most Common Medical Uses

Because of ivermectin’s success in treating many parasitic infections, it is now used worldwide. In particular, it is used in tropical and subtropical areas due to the high concentration of parasitic diseases in those regions. Contracting a parasitic disease in tropical regions is relatively common, and can be caused by:

• Ingesting contaminated food or water: Many parasites spread through water sources since they thrive in moist environments. 
• Insect bites: Some insects, like mosquitoes, pass parasite eggs through their bites. 
• Skin contact: Parasites like hookworms can penetrate the skin, such as when walking barefoot through contaminated soil or interacting with someone with an external parasitic condition. 
• Sexual contact: Parasites like Trichomonas vaginalis can spread person-to-person through sexual contact. 

One of the greatest examples is its treatment of river blindness, a debilitating disease caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus. This parasite causes severe itching, skin damage, and eventually, blindness. Because of the administration of ivermectin, river blindness cases have dropped drastically across Africa and Latin America. 

Another disease, scabies, is caused by small mites that burrow into the skin, causing discomfort. These mites thrive in warm and humid environments, especially in overcrowded communities with poor sanitation. Ivermectin effectively kills these mites, helping communities with limited healthcare access treat harmful outbreaks of this disease. 

Strongyloidiasis, caused by the Strongyloides stercoralis parasite, causes skin rashes, dry cough, and gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Because of the wide variety of symptoms, it is not usually diagnosed until the disease has progressed significantly, leading to more difficulty in treating it. Ivermectin is highly effective at treating this disease, saving the lives of many with weakened immune systems who otherwise would not survive it. 

In the US, it is mostly prescribed for head lice, which is common in school children. Ivermectin is a highly important drug in public health, especially in underserved regions with a high prevalence of parasitic diseases.

Investigating Ivermectin for Other Illnesses

Because of ivermectin’s success with parasites, researchers have been studying its potential role in fighting viral and bacterial diseases. In particular, it has been identified as having strong potential for antiviral properties. Though still in the early stages, some research suggests that ivermectin is capable of inhibiting viral replication, which stops the spread of viruses throughout the body. This indicates that ivermectin may be capable of treating viral diseases such as Zika, yellow fever, and COVID-19. 

In light of the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak, ivermectin has received significant attention from those in the medical community. Early studies show that it may interfere with viral replication in lab studies, but more research is needed to determine its success in real-world applications. 

Beyond antiviral research, ivermectin has also drawn attention for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammatory diseases result from immune responses that often damage healthy tissues. Some studies suggest that ivermectin may help regulate immune pathways, preventing harmful inflammation and strengthening the immune system. Though research continues, scientists are optimistic about the potential for ivermectin’s role in modern medicine to expand. 

Global Health Impact of Ivermectin

It’s no secret that ivermectin has changed the world. One of the most notable public health achievements has been the use of ivermectin in mass drug administration (MDA) programs, organized by international health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO). 

These programs have significantly reduced the occurrence and spread of diseases like lymphatic filariasis across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. In these areas, ivermectin has significantly improved community health, so people can live without fearing the debilitating effects of parasitic disease. 

The success of these programs proves how a single medication can make a huge difference in public health. For example, river blindness was once considered a major cause of blindness throughout Africa. Once ivermectin was introduced, these cases dropped significantly, restoring sight and improving the quality of life of millions of people. 

Ivermectin remains highly accessible and low-cost throughout the world. Its use has resulted in healthier populations that can thrive and pursue work and education, leading to stronger economies across the globe. 

Final Thoughts

Ivermectin has been proven to be a powerful and reliable medication in the fight against parasitic infections. Its use globally in MDA programs has improved public health worldwide, showing the drug’s massive global impact. Though it is still being researched, there is no doubt that this versatile medication shows strong potential to treat viral conditions such as COVID-19. 

Reach out to All Family Pharma today to purchase ivermectin with a prescription from one of our licensed physicians.