ivermectin

Ivermectin is a semisynthetic anthelmintic agent derived from the avermectins, a class of broad-spectrum antiparasitic agents isolated from the fermentation products of Streptomyces avermitilis. It is primarily used to treat various parasitic infections in humans such as onchocerciasis (river blindness), strongyloidiasis (threadworm infection), and other worm infestations including ascariasis and trichuriasis. Ivermectin works by binding selectively and with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells. This increases cell membrane permeability to chloride ions, resulting in hyperpolarization that paralyzes and kills the parasite. It may also act as an agonist at gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in parasites[4][6][7]. Ivermectin does not kill adult worms causing onchocerciasis but reduces microfilariae levels[5]. In addition to its antiparasitic effects, ivermectin has demonstrated antiviral activity against several RNA and DNA viruses in vitro; however, it is not approved for viral infections such as COVID-19 due to insufficient clinical evidence[1][8]. **Developers:** Merck **Manufacturers:** Merck

Brand names

Stromectol

Other names

22,23-dihydroavermectin B1a22,23-dihydroavermectin B1bH2B1aH-2B1aH 2B1aH2B1bH-2B1bH 2B1b