Ivermectin: Uses, Mechanism & Side Effects - A Comprehensive Overview

Ivermectin:

- Drug class: Antiparasitics, antihelmintics

- Uses: Treatment of onchocerciasis (river blindness), strongyloidiasis (intestinal threadworm infection), trichuriasis (whipworm infection), cutaneous larva migrans (creeping eruption), and scabies

- How it works: Inhibits the neuromuscular transmission of parasites by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels in nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis and death of the parasites

- Side effects: May include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and itching

- Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to ivermectin, history of seizures

- Precautions: Use with caution in pregnancy, lactation, and children under 15 years of age

- Drug interactions: May interact with drugs that inhibit or induce CYP3A4, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin