What is Ivermectin?
Are you curious when a drug that was originally developed to treat parasites in animals is suddenly thrust into the spotlight of human health? Ivermectin, a molecule that was once unknown, is now causing a worldwide debate. Is this a miracle treatment or are we overhyping it?
This in-depth article will reveal its mysterious veil and explore its scientific foundation, practical applications, as well as controversial truths. This article is for anyone who is a health practitioner, health enthusiast or just someone looking to protect their family.
-- What is Ivermectin？--
Ivermectin is a revolutionary antiparasitic drug, and its discovery is hailed as one of the most important medical breakthroughs of the 20th century. This compound derived from soil microorganisms was originally a mixture of avermectin B1a and B1b isolated from soil samples near a golf course in Japan.
In 1975, Japanese scientist Satoshi Omura discovered the Streptomyces that produces Ivermectin, and subsequently collaborated with Merck to develop it. Eventually, a team led by William Campbell developed it into a drug.
This significant discovery earned Satoshi Omura and Campbell the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015.
From a chemical structure perspective, Ivermectin belongs to the macrocyclic lactone class and has a unique 16 membered ring structure. It is a white crystalline powder at room temperature, almost insoluble in water, but easily soluble in organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, etc. This special chemical structure can efficiently penetrate biological membranes and directly act on the nervous system of parasites.
Ivermectin is a new type of broad-spectrum, highly efficient, and low toxicity antibiotic antiparasitic drug that has good killing effects on parasites, especially nematodes and arthropods, both inside and outside the body. But it is ineffective against tapeworms, flukes, and protozoa.
The killing effect of macrolide antiparasitic drugs on nematodes and arthropods is to increase the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid in the parasite, as well as to open the glutamate controlled Cl ion channel, enhance the permeability of the nerve membrane to Cl, thereby blocking the transmission of nerve signals, ultimately leading to nerve paralysis, causing muscle cells to lose their ability to contract, resulting in the death of the parasite.
According to statistics, in the past 30 years alone, Merck has distributed over 4 billion doses of Ivermectin through its donation program, primarily for the treatment of parasitic diseases in developing countries.
It is worth noting that Ivermectin holds a unique position in drug classification. It is not only one of the most important antiparasitic drugs in veterinary medicine, but also an indispensable treatment method in human medicine. This dual identity gives Ivermectin a special position in the global pharmaceutical market, with annual sales exceeding $1 billion.
-- How Ivermectin Works? --
Ivermectin’s mechanism of action is highly precise and selective on a molecular scale. Its primary target is glutamate-gated chloride channels. These are found mainly in nerve and muscle cells in invertebrates.
Ivermectin causes these channels to stay open. This leads to an influx of chloride and hyperpolarization in the cell membrane, resulting in neuromuscular paralysis, and ultimately death, for the parasite.
Ivermectin has multiple pharmacological effects during its action. It has a strong affinity for the parasite’s gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor, which enhances GABA mediated transmission.
Second, it can interact with other receptors of neurotransmitters, like glutamate or glycine. Ivermectin is highly effective because of its multi-targeted mechanism.
Ivermectin is a selectively toxic substance. The blood-brain barriers in the brain can prevent Ivermectin entering the central nervous systems. GABA receptors are located mainly in the central nervous systems of humans, but they are less sensitive to Ivermectin.
Recent research has shown that Ivermectin has antiviral properties. Its mechanisms of action include: blocking viral proteins from entering the nucleus, inhibiting the heterodimer viral nuclear input protein A/B 1, and regulating the host immune response. Ivermectin was found to inhibit key enzymes that are required for virus reproduction, especially in the study of COVID-19. This provides a theoretical base for potential antiviral uses.
Ivermectin has anti-inflammatory properties and is immunomodulatory. It inhibits the NF-kB signaling pathway and reduces the production of proinflammatory cytokines. It also regulates macrophage polarization.
--What Ivermectin used for? --
Ivermectin is used in a variety of medical fields, from treating animal parasitic disease to being used today for human medicine. Its value continues to be discovered and confirmed.
Ivermectin’s most important use in human medicine is to treat parasitic infections. It is listed by the World Health Organization as “essential medicine”.
1.Ivermectin, the current most effective drug for treating onchocerciasis. It can be administered once a year to kill microfilaments that are in the tissues and skin, thus preventing adult reproduction.Ivermectin has protected more than 800 millions people around the world.
2.Use albendazole in conjunction with lymphatic filariasis to reduce microfilaments and stop disease transmission.
3.Ivermectin, a drug that is used to treat nematode-like disease, has cured over 90% of patients.
4.Ivermectin is effective locally or orally for scabbing Scabies.
5.Ivermectin is an alternative treatment for head lice when the conventional treatments are ineffective.
It is also widely utilized in veterinary medicine.
1.Control of livestock parasites : used to treat gastrointestinal nematodes and pulmonary nematodes in sheep, cattle and pigs.
2.Companion animal care: treat canine heartworm disease and mite diseases, etc.
3.Wildlife conservation is used to protect endangered species against parasitic threats.
Ivermectin has a number of new applications. It has been shown in research to have potential for treating cancers, autoimmune disorders, and viral infections. Ivermectin, for example, has been shown to be effective in inhibiting virus replication during laboratory studies of dengue virus, Zika virus and HIV.
Ivermectin, a biodegradable pesticide, is used in agriculture to manage livestock health and as a pesticide. Biodegradable, it is a great alternative to chemical pesticides.
-- How much Ivermectin for Humans? --
Ivermectin dosage for human use must be calculated accurately based on the indications, weight and health of the patient. This is a detailed dose guide based upon authoritative medical guidelines.
Standard therapeutic dose
Onchocerciasis – single oral dose 150 mg/kg. The usual dose is 9mg for an adult who weighs 60kg. In epidemic areas, it is recommended that the dose be repeated once a year.
If you have a nematode-like disease, take ONE oral dose of 200 mg/kg. Repeat the dosage after two weeks if needed. If the disease is diffuse, a prolonged treatment might be required.
Scabies: 200 mg/kg taken orally, once. Repeat 1-2 weeks later. Scabies: Higher doses and/or more frequent administration is required.
Use albendazole in combination with 150-200 mg/kg of a single oral dosage.
Adjusting dose for special populations
The dosage per kilogram body weight for children is the same as that of adults. Children under the age of 5 or who weigh less than 15kg are advised to use this product with caution.
Older people: If you have normal kidney and liver function, there is no need to adjust your dosage. However, adverse reactions should still be closely monitored.
Patients with liver disease: Ivermectin metabolizes mainly through the liver. Those with severe liver disease should avoid the drug or reduce its dosage.
Patients with renal failure: those with a creatinine clearance below 30mL/hour need to adjust their dosage.
Notes:
Ivermectin can be taken on an empty stomach to improve bioavailability. However, it can also reduce gastrointestinal discomfort if it is taken with food.
Avoid a high fat diet after taking medications as it may cause drug absorption to increase, resulting in abnormally high drug concentrations in the blood.
Under the supervision of an experienced physician, certain types of parasitic infection, such as panococcal fiariasis, require individualized treatment.
-How much Ivermectin for Dogs? --
Ivermectin dosage for dogs must be calculated accurately based on breed, weight and health status of the dog, as well as any specific indications. The dosage is different for each purpose and must be strictly adhered to according to veterinary advice.
Conventional anti parasitic dose:
Heartworm prevention: A monthly dose of 6 mg/kg is the minimum effective dose. Heartgard (r), for example, contains 68 or 136 mg.
Treatment for Mite Disease
Canine mite scabies: 200-400 mg/kg subcutaneously or orally, repeated every two weeks for 2-3 consecutive months.
Demodex mites : 300-600 mg/kg once daily, until two scraping tests consecutively are negative.
Gastrointestinal nematodes: 100-200 m g/kg, single oral administration.
Variety:
Ivermectin is particularly toxic to some dog breeds, which are mainly affected by MDR1 gene mutations.
High risk breeds: Collie, Australian Shepherd, Hilti Shepherd, British Shepherd, etc.
Genetic Testing: Before using Ivermectin, it is recommended that you perform MDR1 gene tests on these varieties.
Dogs with MDR1 mutations: The safe dose for these dogs is typically below 100 mg/kg.
--Precautions for using Ivermectin to Deworm Sheep --
How much Ivermectin is in 100 pounds of sheep?
Ivermectin can be injected into a sheep weighing 100 pounds. To prevent severe losses, it is important to conduct a small-group experiment on sheep before using this drug. Ivermectin is effective for both in-vivo and in-vitro pest control in sheep. In vivo, the main pests that need to be controlled are nematodes. In vitro, it is parasites like lice and mites.
Ivermectin, a deworming medication that is widely used, has a high level of safety. It does not affect pregnant ewes in any significant way.
Deworming sheep: Precautions
1.Deworming lambs: The first time deworming a lamb should take place at age 50. The second should happen at age 90. And the third and subsequent dewormings should occur every three months.
2.Deworming sheep: Sheep are dewormed twice a year, in the spring and fall. After 10 days, a second deworming is required to increase the effect.
3.Deworming of sheep for fattening: For fattening, the best time to deworm sheep is between March and April each year. Deworming can be done once in June or July if the parasites are causing severe harm.
4.Deworming ewes: Ivermectin should be administered 25 days prior to mating and again 7 days later. If the ewe has already given birth, she should wait 20 days for deworming. Deworming during pregnancy should be avoided between the 45-day period before pregnancy and the 45-day period before delivery.
Manufacturer of Ivermectin
Zhishang Bio is a key partner in the global supply of surfactants, daily-use chemicals and other products. They focus on supplying high-purity and quality Ivermectin.
We provide stable, cost-effective, and efficient one-stop purchasing solutions to global customers. We understand how important a reliable supply is to your business. Therefore, we strive to be the best in all aspects.
We have a close relationship with the leading manufacturers in order to guarantee that our products are of high quality and meet industry standards. We are able, through our large-scale purchasing and efficient supply management, to offer customers highly competitive market prices. We also offer flexible quotes based upon the volume of the purchase to help them optimize their production costs.
Our services are characterized by a highly developed logistics system. We achieve visual tracking through multiple warehouse layouts and digital logistic management systems both at home and abroad. This allows us to support multimodal intermodal transport such as rail, road, and sea.
Our service system is designed around the needs of our customers. Our team of professionals responds quickly 7×24 hours per day. We offer personalized services such as product packaging and customized packaging according to customer needs. We focus on creating stable, long-term strategic partnerships with our clients in order to achieve mutual growth.
The logistics system is one of the core advantages of our services. Through multiple warehousing layouts and digital logistics management systems at home and abroad, we achieve visual tracking of the entire transportation process, supporting multimodal intermodal transportation such as sea, rail, and road, strictly ensuring delivery timeliness, and even safe and compliant professional distribution for dangerous goods transportation.
We are committed to building a customer-centric service system. Our professional team provides 7 × 24-hour rapid response, which not only provides precise technical support and after-sales guarantee, but also offers personalized services such as product packaging and customized packaging according to customer needs. We focus on establishing long-term and stable strategic partnerships with our clients, achieving mutual growth through continuous value creation
By choosing us, you are not only selecting a supplier; you are also choosing a partner that is dedicated to your success. We will be happy to offer you free samples and detailed technical support.
Shandong Zhishang Bio Co., Ltd
Zhishang Bio, a subsidiary of Zhishang Chemical Co., Ltd., was established in 2016 and is a new type of chemical enterprise that integrates research and development, production, and sales. Zhishang Bio always adheres to the concept of “integrity management, strict quality control, customer first”.
Through continuous efforts, significant breakthroughs have been made in industries such as pharmaceutical intermediates, pesticide intermediates, food additives, and cosmetic raw materials. The domestic trade team sells well throughout the country, while the foreign trade team is exported to more than 30 countries and regions including the United States, Russia, Spain, Brazil, and enjoys a global reputation.
Invited to participate in this exhibition, Zhishang Bio will comprehensively showcase the company’s strength and achievements in the research and development, production, and quality control of pharmaceutical and pesticide intermediates! At that time, our company will set up an CPHI exhibition at booth E12D29 at the venue, and we will take you to further understand our company’s advantageous products in detail!
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