If you've lived with farm animals or been a responsible pet parent, you likely have had some experience with the anti-parasite medication called Ivermectin. The drug has been in the news lately as a possible treatment for COVID-19 infection. Here's what you need to know about Ivermectin's use in veterinary medicine and the dangers of using it as an unapproved human medical treatment.
Ivermectin in Veterinary Practices
Veterinarians have been using Ivermectin products in their practices for decades. First approved for veterinary use in 1981, Ivermectin is a common medication for treating external parasites and intestinal parasites in large animals such as cattle, sheep, and horses. It is also used for treating various internal parasites in small animals and as a heartworm preventative in dogs and cats. It can come in the form of oral or intravenous solutions, chewable tablets, topical pastes, or medicated baths. Although it is recommended to be used only under veterinary supervision, it's readily available at farm and ranch suppliers and pet stores.
Although considered a safe treatment for treating parasites in animals, it can cause nausea if given on an empty stomach, so vets usually recommend giving it with meals. They will also show you how to administer it topically to the skin and inside the ears. If your pet experiences severe vomiting, diarrhea, or dizziness and difficulty standing after a dose of the medication, contact your vet.
Ivermectin in Human Medicine
Ivermectin received FDA approval for human use in 1996; however, it was approved only for certain internal and external parasites and only by prescription. It is thought that a preliminary research paper about the possibility of Ivermectin as a COVID-19 treatment was a catalyst for the recent frenzy surrounding the drug. Many more clinical trials about Ivermectin's effectiveness need to be conducted. But one thing that is apparent – when used in high dosages, it can cause adverse reactions, often serious.
Poison control centers and emergency centers have seen an uptick in calls and visits due to Ivermectin exposure. Reactions include rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and loss of consciousness. There have been a few reported cases of overdose deaths.
One unexpected result of the sudden interest in Ivermectin is that products for parasitic use are becoming increasingly difficult to find. This is causing many people to seek out their veterinarian for products or prescriptions. This is a good opportunity for veterinary professionals to educate clients on the use – and misuse – of this drug, and to recommend they speak with their doctor before using it on themselves.
Reach out to a local animal hospital to learn more.
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