1. Is Ivermectin a steroid?
No, Ivermectin is not a steroid. Steroids are drugs that mimic the action of cortisol and prevent the body from swelling. Some common steroids are prednisolone, betamethasone, etc. On the other hand, Ivermectin is an anthelmintic drug. Anthelmintic medicines are drugs that are beneficial in treating infections caused by parasites like Onchocerciasis Strongyloidiasis, Pediculosis, Gnathostomiasis and Myiasis.
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2. How to take Ivermectin?
Ivermectin should be consumed on an empty stomach or at least 1 hour before any meal. The dose depends on the nature of your illness and your weight. Above all, take Ivermectin as advised by your physician. If you have any doubts, please reach out to our specialists at Yashoda Hospitals.
3. When to take Ivermectin?
Take Ivermectin as directed by your physician. Ivermectin is a drug not to be taken without consulting a medical expert. It is regularly prescribed to treat onchocerciasis, strongyloidiasis, scabies, and previously, for covid-19. Consult our expert medical practitioners at Yashoda Hospitals to know when to take Ivermectin.
4. Is Ivermectin safe?
Yes, Ivermectin is safe for adults when prescribed by expert medical practitioners. However, note that:
- Ivermectin stays in the blood for upto 18 hours. Hence, expecting mothers and breastfeeding mothers should take it only after consultation and with extreme caution.
- Ivermectin should not be prescribed to children weighing less than 15 kg.
5. Is Ivermectin an antibiotic?
No, Ivermectin is not an antibiotic. Antibiotics are a class of medicines used to treat bacterial infections. Some common examples of antibiotics are azithromycin, amoxicillin, etc.
On the other hand, Ivermectin is an Anthelmintic drug. Anthelmintic medicines are drugs that treat infections caused by parasites like Onchocerciasis Strongyloidiasis, Pediculosis, Gnathostomiasis and Myiasis.
6. What does Ivermectin do?
Ivermectin is an anthelmintic medicine. It is beneficial in the treatment of parasitic infections like Strongyloidiasis, Pediculosis, Gnathostomiasis and Myiasis. Ivermectin binds to the nerve cells of parasites and makes them permeable to chloride. This results in causing paralysis in the parasites and ultimately it leads to the death of the parasite.
7. How long does Ivermectin stay in the system?
Ivermectin can stay in the body for an appreciable duration.
- Blood Circulation: Ivermectin can stay active for up to 18 hours in blood circulation
- Intestines: In the system, it can persist for an even longer duration. It can stay in the intestines for up to 12 days and during that time it continues to portray antiparasitic effects.
It should be noted that in people suffering from liver or kidney disease the metabolism of Ivermectin is impacted. Due to the same, it can stay in the system for a longer duration in people with liver and kidney diseases.
8. How often can you use Ivermectin?
Ivermectin is prescribed as part of a short-term regime. The dosage and duration of the drug depend on the age and nature of your disease. Usually, a single dose may be prescribed to you, which may be followed by a follow-up dose if the symptoms persist. In people with Liver function disease, the concentration of Ivermectin cannot be regulated as the metabolism of the medicine is affected. In such patients, the medicine should only be consumed under physicians advice. Consult our expert medical practitioners at Yashoda Hospitals Click here.
9. Can humans consume Ivermectin?
Ivermectin is safe for humans. It was developed in response to the growing concern caused by the fast-spreading of Onchocerciasis (or River Blindness) infection, especially in African countries. Currently, it is widely used to treat onchocerciasis and other parasitic infections like Strongyloidiasis, Pediculosis, Gnathostomiasis and Myiasis effectively.
10. Is Ivermectin easily available?
Yes, Ivermectin is easily available. It was much in demand for treating Covid-19. You can buy Ivermectin from your local pharmacist but it is available only on prescription. It is not an OTC medicine.
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