The Covid-19 has been pushing us for what seems like forever. Amidst this global pandemic, scientists and healthcare experts have been working tirelessly in search of drugs that can be used to treat or prevent Covid-19, and not very surprisingly some unconventional methods of supposedly treating or curing the disease have popped up. Ivermectin is one such name that came up, more on that later.

In this article, we will be taking you through the uses, side effects, and everything else you need to know about Ivermectol and busting some myths related to Ivermectin.

What is Ivermectol?

Ivermectol is the brand name under which Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd sells the antiparasitic drug Ivermectin, which falls into a class of drugs called anthelmintics. It is primarily used to treat parasitic infections in animals and humans.

What are the uses of Ivermectol?

Ivermectol is used for its anti-parasitic properties to treat a number of ailments like:

1. Lice

2. Scabies

3. Roundworm infections, Strongyloidiasis

4. Onchocerciasis

5. Rosacea

It is used to effectively treat parasitic infections affecting your eyes, skin or intestines. In animals it is used to treat heartworm disease and other external parasitic infections.

How does Ivermectol work?

Ivermectol or Ivermectin attacks the muscles and nerves of helminths or other insects. The drug then paralyzes the parasites and kills them. It prevents the parasite from laying any more larvae and thus gets rid of the infection.

How is Ivermectol administered?

Ivermectol is available as an oral tablet in various strengths such as the Ivermectol 3 mg, 6 mg, and Ivermectol 12 mg. You should consume the tablet with a glass of water at least an hour before a meal.

What is the dosage and duration for treatment using Ivermectol?

The dosage depends on your weight, medical history, and severity of the infection. Your doctor will prescribe the tablet considering all of these factors. 

In most cases, you’ll have to take only one dose and will start feeling better. Your doctor may ask for a blood or stool test after administering the drug to ensure the effects.

Side-effects of Ivermectol

Ivermectol is generally considered to have an overall safe drug profile and side effects are rare. However, the side effects commonly seen on consuming the tablet are:

1. Dizziness

2. Nausea

3. Bloating

4. Diarrhea

5. Constipation

6. Fatigue

7. Discomfort in the stomach

8. Loss of appetite

9. Drowsiness

10. Skin rash or itchy skin

These side-effects are usually seen in cases of overdosing, so ensure to not consume more than what is recommended by your doctor.

Risks to consider

You should consider the following risks before consuming Ivermectol,

1. If you are planning to get pregnant or are pregnant.

2. If you are a breastfeeding mother.

3. If you are an alcoholic.

4. If you have multiple parasitic infections.

5. If you are suffering from any liver disease.

6. If you have been diagnosed with any kidney issues.

In case you have had an allergic reaction to Ivermectol or any generic drug containing Ivermectin, DO NOT CONSUME IT AGAIN.

Can Ivermectin be used to treat Covid-19?

Ivermectin was developed in Japan in the 1970s at the Kitasato Institute in Tokyo. It was initially introduced as a veterinary drug to treat parasitic infections in commercial livestock and companion animals. But over the years, it has transformed into a wonder drug proving beneficial to billions of people across the world treating a number of devastating diseases across the world. The range of applications of Ivermectin has since then been constantly studied and has increased. 

In vitro studies indicate that Ivermectin can inhibit the replication of the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus. However, clinical trials have not shown adequate results to substantiate the same and hence many Public Health Organisations and authorities discourage or prohibit the use of Ivermectin in the treatment of Covid-19 affected patients.

Besides studies indicate that the dosage of Ivermectin to be able to have antiviral properties and effectively treat Covid-19 must be multiple folds higher than what is normally recommended for humans. At such high doses, the drug may be toxic to humans, hence Ivermectin cannot be used to treat Covid-19 in humans.

Bottom line

Ivermectol is a versatile, safe, and impactful tablet containing Ivermectin. Ivermectin is considered to be a wonder drug simply because of the plethora of ailments it has been able to combat and treat effectively.