What conditions does ivermectin treat?

From the Guidelines

Ivermectin is primarily used to treat infections caused by certain parasites, including onchocerciasis (river blindness), intestinal strongyloidiasis (threadworm infection), and external parasites like head lice and rosacea. The medication works by paralyzing and killing parasites by affecting their nervous systems. Typical oral dosing for approved human conditions ranges from 150-200 mcg/kg as a single dose or according to specific treatment protocols determined by a healthcare provider 1. Some of the key conditions that ivermectin treats include:

• Onchocerciasis (river blindness): Ivermectin is used to treat this condition, which is caused by the parasite Onchocerca volvulus, and is characterized by severe pruritus, skin lesions, and vision loss 1.
• Intestinal strongyloidiasis (threadworm infection): Ivermectin is used to treat this condition, which is caused by the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis, and is characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms and skin lesions 1.
• External parasites like head lice and rosacea: Ivermectin is used to treat these conditions, which are caused by external parasites, and are characterized by itching, redness, and skin lesions 1. Side effects may include headache, dizziness, muscle pain, nausea, or diarrhea. Despite claims during the COVID-19 pandemic, ivermectin is not approved for treating viral infections including COVID-19, and using it for unapproved conditions can be dangerous. Patients should only take ivermectin when prescribed by a healthcare provider for approved indications. It is essential to note that ivermectin can cause severe reactions in individuals co-infected with onchocerciasis and loiasis, and therefore, it is crucial to exclude these conditions before starting treatment 1. In areas where loiasis is co-endemic with onchocerciasis, ivermectin treatment of individuals harbouring high L. loa microfilaria can cause serious neurological adverse events that might lead to death 1. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of ivermectin treatment in these areas.

From the FDA Drug Label

STROMECTOL is indicated for the treatment of the following infections: Strongyloidiasis of the intestinal tract. STROMECTOL is indicated for the treatment of intestinal (i.e., nondisseminated) strongyloidiasis due to the nematode parasite Strongyloides stercoralis. STROMECTOL is indicated for the treatment of onchocerciasis due to the nematode parasite Onchocerca volvulus.

Ivermectin treats:

• Strongyloidiasis of the intestinal tract
• Onchocerciasis due to the nematode parasite Onchocerca volvulus 2

From the Research

Conditions Treated by Ivermectin

Ivermectin is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Parasitic infections such as scabies and malaria 3
• Lymphatic filariasis, caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi infections 4, 5
• Onchocerciasis, caused by Onchocerca volvulus infection 6
• Strongyloidiasis 7
• River blindness 7

Emerging Uses of Ivermectin

In addition to its traditional use as an antiparasitic agent, ivermectin has been found to have potential in treating:

• Inflammatory conditions, such as rosacea, through its anti-inflammatory effects 3
• Viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2 and adenoviruses, by inhibiting viral protein transportation 3
• Certain types of cancer, by inhibiting the proliferation of tumorigenic cells 3