Medicine
Ivermectin
SaveA broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug on the WHO Essential Medicines list. Nobel Prize-winning treatment for river blindness and lymphatic filariasis. Extensively repurposed and controversially promoted for COVID-19.
Quick verdict
Outstanding antiparasitic with decades of safe mass-administration experience. COVID-19 claims were not supported by well-designed RCTs.
Evidence score
A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.
What the research shows
Unquestioned efficacy for onchocerciasis, strongyloidiasis, and other parasitic infections. Over 3.7 billion doses distributed in mass drug administration programs. Large, well-designed COVID-19 RCTs (TOGETHER, ACTIV-6) showed no significant clinical benefit. Mechanism involves glutamate-gated chloride channel activation in invertebrates.
Benefits
- WHO Essential Medicine for parasitic diseases
- Decades of safe mass-administration data
- Broad antiparasitic spectrum
Dosage notes
Parasitic infections: 150–200 mcg/kg as a single dose or short course. Dosing varies by indication and parasite.
Side effects
- Mazzotti reaction (in onchocerciasis treatment)
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Who should be cautious
Neurotoxic in patients with compromised blood-brain barrier or Loa loa co-infection. Drug interactions with CYP3A4 substrates. Do not use veterinary formulations.
What this page cannot tell you
An extraordinary antiparasitic that does not translate to antiviral utility. Evidence score reflects parasitology use, not repurposed applications.
Leaderboard scores
- Immunity80
Write a review
Sign in to write a review.