Ivermectin during the COVID-19 pandemic

Use of ivermectin during the COVID-19 pandemic

Ivermectin during the COVID-19 pandemic

Ivermectin molecule

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug that has been used in humans and animals for decades. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ivermectin gained attention as a potential treatment for COVID-19, despite limited evidence supporting its efficacy for this purpose. This article explores the background, scientific investigations, and controversies surrounding the use of ivermectin during the pandemic.

Background

Ivermectin was discovered in the late 1970s and has been widely used to treat parasitic infections such as onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. It is included in the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines. The drug works by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nervous system of parasites, leading to paralysis and death of the parasite.

Initial Interest in Ivermectin for COVID-19

In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers were eager to find existing drugs that could be repurposed to treat the disease. A laboratory study published in April 2020 suggested that ivermectin could inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in cell cultures. This led to widespread interest in the drug as a potential treatment.

Clinical Trials and Studies

Numerous clinical trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin in treating COVID-19. However, the results were mixed, with many studies showing no significant benefit. The World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have stated that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 outside of clinical trials.

FDA logo

The FDA issued warnings against the use of ivermectin for COVID-19, particularly the use of formulations intended for animals, which can be dangerous for humans.

Controversies and Misinformation

The use of ivermectin for COVID-19 became a topic of controversy and misinformation. Some proponents, including certain public figures and media personalities, advocated for its use despite the lack of robust evidence. This led to increased demand and reports of people self-medicating with veterinary formulations of the drug.

Bret Weinstein

Public figures such as Bret Weinstein have been vocal in promoting ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19, contributing to the spread of misinformation.

Scientific Consensus

The scientific consensus, as of 2023, is that ivermectin should not be used to treat COVID-19 outside of well-conducted clinical trials. Major health organizations, including the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, do not recommend its use for COVID-19 treatment.

Related pages

• COVID-19 pandemic
• SARS-CoV-2
• Antiviral drug
• Misinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic

William C. Campbell

William C. Campbell, one of the discoverers of ivermectin, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 for his work on the drug.