Ivermectin: A Promising Drug to Prevent and Treat COVID-19

Highlights

Ivermectin is a drug used to treat parasitic infections, and it is being studied as a potential treatment for COVID-19
Several studies have suggested that Ivermectin may be effective in reducing the severity of the disease and the risk of contracting it
However, the evidence for Ivermectin's efficacy and safety is still limited and further research is needed

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide and continues to be a major health threat. While vaccines have proven effective in preventing severe disease and hospitalization, researchers are exploring alternative treatments to reduce the burden on healthcare systems. One such treatment is the use of Ivermectin, a drug that has been used to treat parasitic infections for decades. In this article, we will explore the evidence for the use of Ivermectin in preventing and treating COVID-19.

Bajaj Healthcare Launches Ivermectin Tablets for Treating COVID-19
The DCGI has granted permissions to Bajaj healthcare to supply 'Ivejaj' in the domestic as well as overseas markets.

‘Ivermectin has shown promising results in some studies as a potential treatment for COVID-19. However, further large, well-designed studies are needed to establish its efficacy and safety. As of now, the WHO and NIH do not recommend its use for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19’

Tweet it Now

What is Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is a drug that was first approved in 1987 for the treatment of a parasitic infection that causes blindness. It is also effective in treating other parasitic infections such as strongyloidiasis and scabies. Ivermectin works by inhibiting the nervous system of parasites, leading to their paralysis and death ().

Anti-parasitic Drug Ivermectin Reduces COVID-19 Transmission
Early administration of anti-parasitic drug can decrease the viral loads and symptom duration in patients with mild COVID-19.

How Does Ivermectin Work Against COVID-19?

While the exact mechanism of action of Ivermectin against COVID-19 is not fully understood, it is believed that the drug may help reduce the severity of the disease by inhibiting the replication of the virus. It is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce the damage caused by the virus in the lungs (, ).

Antiparasitic Ivermectin can End Pandemic
Use of common antiparasitic ivermectin can end COVID-19 pandemic, claimed a peer-reviewed research. The drug significantly reduces the risk of contracting the deadly respiratory disease.

What Does the Evidence say About Ivermectin and COVID-19?

Several studies have investigated the use of Ivermectin in preventing and treating COVID-19. A meta-analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving over 2,400 patients found that Ivermectin was associated with a significant reduction in mortality and hospitalization in COVID-19 patients. Another meta-analysis of 27 RCTs involving over 7,000 patients found that Ivermectin was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of contracting COVID-19, as well as a reduction in the duration of symptoms ().

However, it is important to note that many of these studies have been criticized for their methodological limitations and small sample sizes. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have not yet recommended the use of Ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19, citing the need for further evidence from larger, well-designed studies.

Coronavirus
Coronaviruses infect animals, humans, and birds. Human coronaviruses, such as SARS, MERS, and 2019-nCoV cause respiratory distress and even death. The S protein is the infectious agent of the virus.

Preventive Potential of Ivermectin

Several observational studies have suggested that Ivermectin may have a preventive effect against COVID-19. A study conducted in India found that healthcare workers who took Ivermectin as a prophylactic treatment had a significantly lower risk of contracting COVID-19 than those who did not take the drug. Another study conducted in Argentina found that Ivermectin was associated with a lower risk of infection among close contacts of COVID-19 patients.

Therapeutic Potential of Ivermectin

In addition to its potential as a preventive agent, Ivermectin has also been studied as a therapeutic agent for COVID-19. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that Ivermectin was associated with a reduction in mortality and improvement in clinical outcomes among COVID-19 patients. However, the quality of the evidence was rated low to very low, and more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.

What are the potential side effects of Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is generally considered safe when used in recommended doses for its approved indications. However, at higher doses, it can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, it can cause severe allergic reactions or even death. It is also important to note that Ivermectin has not been studied extensively in pregnant or breastfeeding women ().

References

Ivermectin for preventing and treating COVID-19 - (https://www.cochrane.org/news/ivermectin-preventing-and-treating-covid-19-0)
About Ivermectin for preventing and treating COVID‐19 - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9215332/)
Review on Ivermectin for preventing and treating COVID-19 - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35726131/)

Source-Medindia