Description
Ivervid (Ivermectin) 12 mg
Ivervid contains ivermectin, an antiparasitic medicine used in human medicine for certain parasitic infections. The verified information for ivermectin tablets supports its use against specific nematode infections, particularly strongyloidiasis, and in some products also onchocerciasis. The exact approved uses depend on the regulatory status of the product in a given country.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
The active ingredient is ivermectin. It belongs to the macrocyclic lactone class of anthelmintics, also described as an antiparasitic medicine.
Established Medical Uses
Official prescribing information for ivermectin tablets identifies treatment of intestinal, non-disseminated strongyloidiasis caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. Some approved labels also include treatment of onchocerciasis caused by Onchocerca volvulus. Peer-reviewed reviews also describe ivermectin as a standard therapy for selected other parasitic infections in human medicine, but those uses are not necessarily approved for every product or market.
How It Works
Ivermectin acts by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels in susceptible parasites. This increases chloride ion flow, disrupts nerve and muscle function in the parasite, and leads to paralysis and death of the organism. The selectivity of this action helps explain why it targets invertebrate parasites more than human cells.
Important Safety Information
Ivermectin tablets are contraindicated in people with known hypersensitivity to the medicine or any component of the formulation. Prescribing information warns that patients with onchocerciasis may experience inflammatory reactions related to the death of microfilariae, and that people heavily infected with Loa loa may be at risk of severe or fatal encephalopathy when treated for onchocerciasis. Clinically important neurotoxicity has also been reported, including confusion, altered consciousness, stupor, coma and death. Caution is warranted with concomitant medicines that may increase the risk of central nervous system effects or alter transport via P-glycoprotein.
Possible Side Effects
Commonly reported adverse effects include dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, pruritus and rash. In patients treated for onchocerciasis, side effects may also reflect the body’s response to parasite death, including fever, itching, swollen lymph nodes, joint pain and skin reactions. Serious reactions are uncommon but can include severe neurological effects and severe inflammatory reactions in susceptible patients.
Scientific Evidence
Human clinical evidence and systematic reviews support ivermectin as an effective antiparasitic treatment for strongyloidiasis and other selected helminth infections. Reviews also note a generally favourable safety profile at standard antiparasitic doses, while emphasizing that safety concerns increase in specific settings such as heavy Loa loa infection or other circumstances associated with neurotoxicity. Evidence for non-approved uses should not be assumed to apply to this product.
Medical Information Notice
This educational summary is based on sources available at the time of review and does not replace the official patient leaflet, prescribing information, or individual professional assessment.
Medical Sources
- DailyMed, Ivermectin tablet prescribing information.
- U.S. FDA / AccessData, STROMECTOL (ivermectin) Tablets, prescribing information.
- Bourguinat C, et al. “Glutamate-gated chloride channels and the mode of action of the avermectin/milbemycin anthelmintics.” International Journal for Parasitology (2007). PubMed.
- Chaccour C, et al. “Ivermectin in human medicine, an overview of the current status of its clinical applications.” Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases (2011). PubMed.
