From the Guidelines
Ivermectin is a recommended treatment for eosinophilia caused by certain parasitic infections, such as Strongyloides stercoralis, with a typical dose of 200 mcg/kg orally as a single dose, as supported by the most recent guidelines 1. When considering the use of ivermectin for eosinophilia, it's crucial to confirm a parasitic cause, as eosinophilia can result from various conditions including allergies, drug reactions, and autoimmune disorders where ivermectin would not be effective. The treatment of parasitic infections with ivermectin leads to a reduction in eosinophil counts as the body's immune response to the parasites subsides, by paralyzing and killing the parasites through enhanced inhibitory neurotransmission. Some key points to consider when using ivermectin for eosinophilia include:
- The dose and duration of treatment may vary depending on the specific parasitic infection being treated, with some cases requiring repeat dosing or prolonged treatment.
- Potential side effects of ivermectin include headache, dizziness, muscle pain, and rarely, severe skin reactions, as well as the risk of a Mazzotti reaction in patients with heavy parasite loads, characterized by fever, headache, dizziness, and lymph node swelling as parasites die off.
- Certain populations, such as immunocompromised patients, particularly those on systemic steroids, are at risk of potentially fatal hyperinfection syndrome, and thus require careful management and monitoring when being treated with ivermectin for parasitic infections 1. It's also important to note that while ivermectin is effective against certain parasitic infections, its use should be guided by the most recent and highest quality evidence, and treatment should only be initiated after a thorough diagnostic workup to confirm the presence of a parasitic infection, as supported by guidelines from reputable sources 1.
From the Research
Eosinophilia and Ivermectin
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that links ivermectin to eosinophilia.
- The studies primarily focus on the use of ivermectin for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, its adverse effects, and its potential as an antiviral agent 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Adverse events reported in the studies include neurological toxicity, gastrointestinal symptoms, and musculoskeletal complaints, but eosinophilia is not mentioned 2, 3.
- The studies suggest that ivermectin may be effective in reducing the duration of illness and mortality in COVID-19 patients, but they do not provide information on its effects on eosinophil counts 4, 6.
- Overall, there is a lack of research on the specific topic of eosinophilia and ivermectin, and more studies would be needed to determine if there is a relationship between the two.