Parasitic infections are diseases caused by parasites, usually found in contaminated food and water. They enter the human body, live and feed on it. Some of the common parasitic infections are caused due to protozoa, helminths and ectoparasites. Depending on the type of parasitic infection and its location in the human body, it may cause digestive problems, skin infections, weakness, joint pain, muscular pain, etc. There are various medications used for the treatment of parasitic infections. One such potent FDA–approved antiparasitic medicine is Ivermectin.
What is Ivermectin?
- Ivermectin 12mg is an oral medication that treats infections caused by parasites such as roundworms. It functions by killing the parasite to stop the infection.
- Ivermectin shows broad-spectrum activity and is used in the treatment of strongyloidiasis, onchocerciasis (river blindness), and other infections caused due to soil-transmitted helminths.
- It is also used for the treatment of scabies, enterobiasis (pinworm infection), ascariasis, and trichuriasis.
Iverheal and Ivermectin
Iverheal 12mg is the brand name by which the medicine is available in the market. It contains the salt (active ingredient) Ivermectin.
Mechanism of action
Ivermectin belongs to the therapeutic class of anthelmintics (anti-parasitic agents). It is a semi-synthetic anti-parasitic medication derived from avermectins, a group of related pentacyclic 16-membered macrocyclic lactones used to treat endoparasites and ectoparasites in humans and animals.
- Ivermectin 12 mg selectively binds and has high affinity to the glutamate-gated chloride ion channels in invertebrate muscle and nerve cells of the parasites.
- This binding increases the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions that results in cell hyperpolarization, leading to paralysis and death of the parasite.
- It is also believed that Ivermectin acts as an agonist of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Hence, it disrupts the GABA-mediated central nervous system (CNS) neurosynaptic transmission.
How does Ivermectin 12 work?
Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication. It works by binding to the nerve and muscle cells of the parasite, causing their paralysis and death. It prevents the adult larvae from creating new parasites and helps in treatment of the parasitic infection.
Directions for use
- The Ivermectin 12 mg tablet should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour prior or 2 hours after a meal.
- For dosage and timing of this medication, the doctor’s instructions should be carefully followed. The patient is expected to follow all the directions given on the prescription label.
- Ivermectin is not expected to be taken in smaller or larger doses or for a longer duration than prescribed by the doctor.
- The person taking the tablet should not chew, crush or bite it in the mouth. The tablet should be taken wholly with a glass of water.
- Generally, a single dose of Ivermectin is prescribed. However, sometimes, the doctor may prescribe multiple frequencies of Ivermectin 12 after several months of the first dosage to effectively treat the infection or if the immune system of the individual is weak.
- In case of a missed dose from the therapeutic schedule, the dose must be taken as and when the patient realizes it. If there is hardly any difference between the missed dose and the next scheduled dose time, it should not be taken together as it could result in overdose.
- In case of a suspected overdose, immediate medical attention must be sought.
Side effects of Iverheal 12mg tablet
Iverheal 12 produces certain side effects in the human body. Most of these side effects disappear on their own as the body adjusts itself to the medicine and does not need medical attention.
- Nausea
- Headache
- Body rash
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting sensation
- Giddiness
- Itchy skin
- Stomach pain
- Lethargy
- Difficult in passing stools
Several side effects
Sometimes, in very rare cases, the side effects produced may be severe. Some of these include:
- Hepatitis
- Seizures
- Loss of vision
- Reduced heart rate
- Worsening asthma condition
If your symptoms persist or you are worried about them, get in touch with a doctor immediately.
Drug interactions
An interaction is said to take place when the effects of a drug are changed by another drug, drink, food, or any other chemical factor in the environment. Consuming Iverheal with any of the following substances can alter the effect of either of them and produce undesirable side effects.
- Levamisole
- Acenocoumarol
- Azithromycin
- Albenazole
- Alcohol
- Orange juice
Overdosage of Iverheal 12mg
Do not exceed the dosage of Iverheal 12 tablets prescribed by the doctor as it can result in overdose. Overdosage may produce undesirable side effects such as difficulty in breathing, tingling sensation, numbness, seizures and loss of coordination. If you think there is a possibility of overdose or notice any visible signs of overdosage, consult a doctor immediately.
Useful tips
- Take the tablet on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.
- Drink lots of fluids while taking this medicine. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Store Iverheal 12mg below 30oC.
- If you are planning to conceive, breastfeeding, taking any other medications or nutritional supplements, inform your doctor prior to taking Iverheal.
- The doctor may perform stool and blood tests after taking the tablet to check whether you have got rid of the infection or not.
Ivermectin is a powerful antiparasitic medicine with well-defined clinical applications in the treatment of human parasitic infections.
FAQs
1. Is Iverheal 12mg an antibiotic?
A. No, Iverheal is not an antibiotic. It belongs to the drug class called anthelmintic drugs. These are specifically designed to treat parasitic infections. Ivermectin, which is the active ingredient present in Iverheal tablets, belongs to the macrocyclic lactone subclass of anthelmintic drugs, which can treat different ectoparasite and nematode infections.
2. Is Ivermectin clinically safe?
A. Yes, Ivermectin is clinically approved by various health authorities such as the USFDA, EMA, and CDSCO for treatment of specific parasitic infections. It is proven to be safe and well-tolerated for various parasitic infections. It can be easily administered orally to treat various internal as well as ectoparasitic infections.
3. How does Ivermectin work in treating scabies?
A. Scabies is a highly contagious skin disease caused by the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. This disease causes intense skin itching and a rash. Administration of Ivermectin 12mg tablets can result in death of the parasitic mite caused due to the excessive rupture of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) found in the nervous system of the parasite.
4. Is Ivermectin used for lice treatment in humans?
A. Yes, Ivermectin is highly effective for lice treatment. It causes paralysis and death of the lice by binding to the glutamate-gated chloride channels. Ivermectin shampoo is used in lice treatment by applying on the hair and scalp. However, care must be taken to ensure that the shampoo does not enter the eyes.
5. Which parasitic infections can be treated using Ivermectin 12mg tablet?
A. Ivermectin 12 can be used to treat the following parasitic infections effectively:
- Onchocerciasis
- Strongyloidiasis
- Ascariasis
- Trichuriasis
- Filariasis/Elephantiasis
- Tropical eosinophilia
- Loiasis
- Scabies
- Head lice infestation
6. Is Iverheal 12mg available over the counter?
A. No, Iverheal is not available over the counter. It can only be purchased on presenting a valid prescription from a doctor. To avoid side effects, do not self medicate.
7. For how long do the side effects of Ivermectin last?
A. Usually, the mild side effects of Ivermectin disappear within a few days to a fortnight. If there are any serious side effects or the mild ones do not go away, a doctor must be consulted immediately.