Description
Ivermectin Tablets USP 6 mg are widely used antiparasitic agents effective against various parasitic worms and ectoparasites like lice and scabies. The drug works by disrupting the nervous system of parasites, leading to paralysis and death. It is administered as a single oral dose or repeated based on the infection being treated.
Mechanism of Action:
Ivermectin binds selectively and with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels found in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells. This increases the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions, resulting in paralysis and death of the parasite. It also affects GABA-related neurotransmission in parasites but not in humans due to the blood-brain barrier. It does not kill adult worms in some parasitic infections but reduces microfilariae (larval forms) and helps control transmission.
Uses: Ivermectin 6 mg tablets are used for the treatment of various parasitic infections, including:
- Strongyloidiasis (intestinal threadworm)
- Onchocerciasis (river blindness – caused by Onchocerca volvulus)
- Scabies (including crusted scabies)
- Pediculosis (head lice)
- Lymphatic filariasis (in combination with albendazole or DEC)
- Cutaneous larva migrans, gnathostomiasis, and other off-label uses
- Ivermectin is not an antiviral and should not be used for viral infections like COVID-19 outside of approved clinical settings.
