From the Guidelines
Ivermectin is generally considered gluten-free, but it's crucial to verify the specific formulation with the pharmacist or manufacturer to ensure the inactive ingredients are gluten-free. Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication used to treat various parasitic infections in humans and animals. The active ingredient itself does not contain gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. However, as with any medication, the inactive ingredients or fillers in specific brand formulations could potentially contain gluten-derived substances. According to the study on dietary guidelines and implementation for celiac disease 1, it's essential to know the source of inactive ingredients, such as starch, which can be derived from corn, rice, tapioca, or potato, making them gluten-free.
If you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, it's advisable to check the specific formulation with your pharmacist or contact the manufacturer directly. Most pharmaceutical-grade ivermectin products are produced in facilities that maintain strict quality control standards to prevent cross-contamination. The molecular structure of ivermectin is not derived from grain sources but is instead produced through fermentation of a soil microorganism called Streptomyces avermitilis, making the base compound naturally gluten-free. The standards for gluten-free products vary worldwide, with some countries using a threshold of 20 ppm gluten, while others use 200 ppm 1.
Key points to consider:
- Ivermectin's active ingredient is naturally gluten-free
- Inactive ingredients may contain gluten-derived substances
- Verify the specific formulation with the pharmacist or manufacturer
- Pharmaceutical-grade ivermectin products maintain strict quality control standards
- Gluten-free standards vary worldwide, but most countries have a threshold for gluten content in products.
From the FDA Drug Label
STROMECTOL is available in 3-mg tablets containing the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, magnesium stearate, butylated hydroxyanisole, and citric acid powder (anhydrous). The inactive ingredients listed for ivermectin tablets do not explicitly mention gluten, but pregelatinized starch may contain gluten.
- Pregelatinized starch is often derived from corn, potato, or tapioca, but it can also be derived from wheat, which contains gluten.
- Without further information on the source of the pregelatinized starch, it is unclear if ivermectin tablets are gluten-free. 2
From the Research
Ivermectin and Gluten
- The provided studies do not directly address whether ivermectin is gluten-free 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Ivermectin's mechanism of action and its uses for treating parasitic infections, inflammatory conditions, viral infections, and cancers are discussed in several studies 4, 5.
- Celiac disease, wheat allergy, and gluten sensitivity are explored in other studies, highlighting the importance of a gluten-free diet for individuals with these conditions 3, 6, 7.
- However, there is no explicit information on the gluten content of ivermectin itself, making it unclear whether ivermectin is gluten-free based on the provided evidence.
Gluten-Related Disorders
- Studies discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of gluten-associated disorders, including celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity 3, 6, 7.
- The importance of a gluten-free diet for managing these conditions is emphasized, but there is no direct connection made to ivermectin or its gluten content 3, 6, 7.
Conclusion Not Applicable
As per the given instructions, a conclusion section is not to be included. The information provided does not directly answer the question of whether ivermectin is gluten-free, as the studies focus on its mechanism, uses, and the discussion of gluten-related disorders without addressing the gluten content of ivermectin itself 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.