Ivermectin 12
Ivermectin belongs to the class of drugs known as anthelmintic obtained from the soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis. It’s also an insecticidal drug that has uses for both veterinary and general medicine (humans) in treating parasitic infections in intestine, skin, and eyes. Anthelmintic drugs work by disrupting the chloride channels found in the cell wall membranes of nematodes and insects. Ivermectin attaches to the muscular and nerve cells of the parasite, induces tonic paralysis, thereby immobilizing and finally killing the parasite. While the efficacy of the drug is proven, one must use this under the prescription of a physician.
Ivermectin is also thought to interfere with GABA-mediated central nervous system (CNS) neurosynaptic transmission by acting as an agonist of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Ivermectin may also prevent O. volvulus microfilariae from developing normally inside the uterus and emerging from the uteri of female worms.
It’s used mostly for parasitic infections onchocerciasis (river blindness), Strongyloidiasis, scabies, round worm infestation, whipworm infestation, filariasis. Its possible usage was speculated for COVID treatment as well. This WHO prescribed medication has shown antiviral as well as anti-inflammatory properties.
Method of Intake
First of all, this medication must be guided by a certified medical professional. It’s generally prescribed to take a single dose on an empty stomach i.e. 1 or 2 hours before the meal. Swallow it with a glass of water. Overdose or underdose can result in side effects. Doctors may prescribe a prolonged usage till the infection is over, which could be upto an year. Stool examination is conducted at regular intervals to test the performance and infection levels.
It’s important not to miss the frequency of intake. However in case of missed dose, don’t overdose yourself if you’re near the next dose. Ignore the missed dose. Overdosing can cause dizziness, constipation, headache, diarrhoea, swelling, abdominal pain, skin rashes, shortness of breath and even fits. Immediately seek medical attention if such overdosage occurs.
Metabolism in the Body
Hepatic in origin (metabolised in the liver), over an anticipated 12-day period, ivermectin and/or its metabolites are almost entirely eliminated in the faeces, Less than 1% of the injected dose reaching the urine.
Generally well absorbed in the normal human body, a high fat meal increases its absorption even more.
Important Conditions
Tell your doctor if you have allergic reactions to ivermectin or suffering one. Other inactive chemical ingredients in the dose can induce side effects.
Intake of alcohol, marijuana must be curtailed to avoid worsening side effects during this medication. It can even worsen the efficacy of the drug and immune system on the journey to eliminate infection.
Pregnant women should not take ivermectin unless prescribed by your doctor. This medicine has shown to enter breastfeeding milk in milder quantities. However, the possible effects on the nursing child are not there. Here again, taking a doctor’s advice is recommended.
You should avoid driving and making journeys without someone to take care of you during medication.
If you have visited or lived in West or Central Africa, you may have parasites like Loa loa or African trypanosomiasis, which can interfere with the treatment with ivermectin.
If you have asthma and liver diseases you should strictly avoid using this.
Inform your doctor about this before, if you have to undergo a surgery.
If you have weak immune system functioning you may need multiple treatments. Consult your doctor on this.
Storage
It’s important to store the medicine in cool and dry places to avoid interfering with its efficacy. While you should keep it away from children and pets, proper disposal of unused medicine is equally important. Don’t flush down expired tablets down the toilet or discard into public drainages.
Combining with other medications
Ivermectin is known to interfere with other medications such as herbal products,vitamins and general tablets such as paracetamol. Medications that contain barbiturates (such as phenobarbital), valproic acid, benzodiazepine, sodium oxybate (GHB) also interact with ivermectin to cause side effects mentioned.
Before taking the medication, you must share your medical history, other ongoing medications with your doctor.
Common Side Effects
uring the initial stages of parasite dying, you may experience one or other following symptoms though it’s not necessarily for everyone:
- Nauseating
- Mild pruritus
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach discomfort
- Constipation
- Lethargy
- Irregularities in heartbeat (palpitations)
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
Severe symptoms can include:
- Neurotoxicity
- Hepatitis
- Increased asthma
- Seizures in brain
- Hemorrhage in eye membranes
- Orchitis
FAQs
What’s Ivermectin 12 MG?
Used to treat parasitic and worm infections in the human body (intestinal, dermatological and ocular), it’s an anthelmintic drug prescribed by WHO.
Can I use it if I have HIV?
Yes. However depending on the strength of your immune system, you may be prescribed repeat usages and for a longer period of time till the infection subsides. Consult your doctor for more details.
What if I’m an alcoholic?
People with alcoholic and cannabis habits must put a hold on them during the medication to avoid facing side effects that could otherwise be controlled. Moreover, the habits can interfere with the functioning of the medicine resulting in reduced action.
Does ivermectin 12 MG help with head lice?
Yes. Ivermectin shampoos are available to treat the problem of head lice. However, take extreme precaution by closing your eyes tightly. A study conducted in India revealed that ivermectin shampoos have reduced the problem in children by up to 87% with a single usage, 100% by repeat usage.
Thoroughly wet your hands and scalp to apply it to your head. Firm rinsing creates a thick foam that completely covers the scalp and hair. Wash the medication out of the hair after waiting for 10 mins with warm water. Dry the scalp with a fresh towel.
Can I use ivermectin to treat COVID?
No. Though the possible results have been speculated by doctors around the world, there are no established proofs that ivermectin acts against COVID. So avoid using the medicine for the case.
Does the medication damage kidneys?
If you follow the prescription and dosage regularly, you should not have any problems with kidney abnormalities. But it’s alright to. get clarifications from your doctor.
Does ivermectin damage brain cells?
No. Ivermectin cannot harm human brain tissue. Every chemical must pass the blood brain barrier to enter the brain (BBB). The BBB is a network of blood channels and tissues that protects the brain from hazardous substances. Ivermectin cannot cross the BBB.
Can you take ivermectin 12 mg if you are pregnant?
Ivermectin (12 mg) cannot be taken if you’re pregnant. If you have already taken Ivermectin 12 mg while pregnant, seek immediate medical attention.
Can you take ivermectin 12 mg if you are breastfeeding?
Ivermectin (12 mg) cannot be taken if you’re breastfeeding your child. If you have already taken Ivermectin 12 mg while breastfeeding your child, seek immediate medical attention.
Do I need a refrigerator to store ivermectin?
No. The med can be safely stored at room temperature. However, take care of children and pets reaching it.
Can ivermectin be used for children?
Children over 15kg only should use this. Compared to other patients from older age groups, children under the age of 5 make up a small portion of the scabies risk populations. In case of worm infections, alternative anthelmintic drugs may be prescribed. Your doctor can guide you on this.
Where can I purchase Ivermectin 12 mg?
When you’re going to buy Ivermectin 12 mg from an online drugstore, you need to make sure if it’s verified or not. Purchasing your medication from an unverified drugstore might increase the complexity of purchasing the medication. That’s why, whenever you’re going to buy medication, you can purchase it from Medswin.
We are the one-step online pharmacies that can help you get your preferred medication delivered to your doorstep with just a few clicks on our official website.