Ivermectin: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side effects

Chemical formula:

• C48H74O14

Structure of Ivermectin

Mechanism of action:

• Ivermectin works by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nerve and muscle cells of the parasite, increasing the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions, which leads to hyperpolarization, paralysis, and death of the worm.

Uses:

• Ivermectin is primarily used to treat roundworm infections, including onchocerciasis (river blindness), strongyloidiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and scabies. It is also used in veterinary medicine to treat various parasitic infections in animals.

Side effects:

• Common side effects include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In patients with heavy worm burdens, ivermectin may cause severe reactions such as fever, chills, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes due to the rapid death of microfilariae. In rare cases, it may cause skin rash or elevated liver enzymes.