How it is administered

Ivermectin is available as oral tablets (typically 3 mg or 6 mg), and as a topical cream (1%) for skin application.

For oral use, the tablets are taken by mouth with water, usually on an empty stomach. The dose is based on body weight and the condition being treated. For topical use, a thin layer of the cream is applied to the affected skin area once daily.

How it works

Ivermectin belongs to a class of medications called avermectins, which are broad-spectrum antiparasitic agents. It works by binding selectively and with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels in the nerve and muscle cells of invertebrates (such as parasites). This increases the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions, leading to paralysis and death of the parasite.

In humans, these specific chloride channels are not present, and ivermectin does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, which contributes to its safety profile. Ivermectin is metabolized in the liver and excreted mainly in the feces. Its use in blood cancers like Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia is not FDA-approved, and its mechanism in cancer is not established in the provided data.

Who Should take it

Ivermectin is FDA-approved for the treatment of certain parasitic infections, including:

• Strongyloidiasis of the intestinal tract (caused by Strongyloides stercoralis)
• Onchocerciasis (river blindness, caused by Onchocerca volvulus)

It is also used topically for inflammatory lesions of rosacea. For blood cancers such as Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia, ivermectin is not an approved treatment, and its use should only be considered in a clinical trial or under the guidance of a specialist.

Who should not take it

Ivermectin should not be taken by individuals who are hypersensitive to any component of the product.

It is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Safety in pediatric patients weighing less than 15 kg has not been established. Caution is advised in elderly patients and those with significant liver impairment. Nursing mothers should only use ivermectin if the benefit outweighs the possible risk to the infant.

Commonly used with

Ivermectin is sometimes used in combination with other antiparasitic agents such as albendazole or thiabendazole for certain infections.

It is not commonly used with other medications for blood cancers, and there are no established combinations for Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Commonly tested with

In clinical studies, ivermectin has been compared with albendazole and thiabendazole for the treatment of strongyloidiasis.

There is no data from the FDA label about ivermectin being tested with other medications for blood cancers.