Journal of Clinical Research and Pharmacy

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Perspective - Journal of Clinical Research and Pharmacy (2023) Volume 6, Issue 1

Ivermectin′s therapeutic potential as an additional Covid−19 treatment

Mario Niklas*

Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany

*Corresponding Author:
Mario Niklas
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology
University of Berlin
Berlin, Germany
E-mail:niklas@in.de

Received:06-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. AAJCRP-23-89469; Editor assigned: 07-Feb-2023, PreQC No. AAJCRP-23-89469(PQ); Reviewed:21-Feb-2023, QC No. AAJCRP-23-89469; Revised:23-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. AAJCRP-23-89469(R); Published:25-Feb-2023, DOI: 10.35841/aajcrp-6.1.132

Citation: Niklas M. Ivermectin's therapeutic potential as an additional Covid-19 treatment. J Clin Res Pharm. 2023;6(1):132

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Abstract

Ivermectin, a drug that has been used for decades to treat parasitic infections, has recently emerged as a potential treatment for COVID-19. In vitro studies have shown that ivermectin can inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. In addition, observational studies and randomized controlled trials have suggested that ivermectin can reduce the severity and duration of COVID-19 symptoms, as well as the need for hospitalization and oxygen therapy. Although the mechanisms by which ivermectin exerts its antiviral effects are not yet fully understood, it is thought to inhibit viral replication by targeting various host factors that are involved in the viral life cycle. In addition, ivermectin has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects, which could be beneficial in reducing the cytokine storm and inflammation associated with severe COVID-19.

Keywords

Ivermectin, COVID 19, treatment, therapy, antiviral, SARS-CoV-2, clinical trials, mechanism of action, anti-inflammatory, safety, efficacy.

Introduction

Despite promising results from preclinical and clinical studies, the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 is still controversial. The World Health Organization and the US Food and Drug Administration have not recommended the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 outside of clinical trials, citing the need for more rigorous evidence from large-scale randomized controlled trials. In addition, concerns have been raised about the safety and dosing of ivermectin, particularly in patients with liver and kidney disease. In conclusion, ivermectin has shown potential as an additional treatment for COVID-19, but more research is needed to fully understand its safety and efficacy [1]. Ongoing clinical trials and observational studies will provide more data on the optimal dosing, timing, and patient populations for ivermectin use in COVID-19.

Ivermectin is a well-known drug that has been used for over 30 years to treat parasitic infections in both humans and animals. It has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of parasites, including lice, scabies, and intestinal worms. Recently, it has gained attention as a potential treatment for COVID-19. Several studies have investigated the potential of ivermectin to treat COVID-19 [2]. While some studies have shown promising results, others have not found any significant benefits. It is important to note that the studies conducted so far have been small and have not undergone rigorous clinical trials. One of the studies that showed promising results was a meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Therapeutics in 2021. The meta-analysis included 15 randomized controlled trials that compared the use of ivermectin with standard care or placebo in COVID-19 patients. The analysis found that ivermectin was associated with a significant reduction in mortality, time to clinical recovery, and viral clearance. The authors of the meta-analysis concluded that ivermectin is a safe and effective treatment for COVID-19 and should be considered as a standard of care. However, it is important to note that the meta-analysis has been criticized for including studies with a high risk of bias, and for not including some recent studies that have reported negative results. In addition, the authors of the meta-analysis were affiliated with a group that has been promoting the use of ivermectin for COVID-19, which raises questions about their objectivity[3, 5].

Another study that showed promising results was a randomized controlled trial conducted in Egypt in 2020. The trial included 100 patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who were randomly assigned to receive either ivermectin or standard care. The study found that ivermectin was associated with a significant reduction in time to recovery and hospitalization. However, other studies have not found any significant benefits of ivermectin for COVID-19. For example, a randomized controlled trial conducted in Colombia in 2020 found that ivermectin did not significantly reduce the time to resolution of symptoms or the risk of hospitalization. Another randomized controlled trial conducted in Brazil in 2020 found that ivermectin did not significantly reduce the need for mechanical ventilation or the risk of death. Overall, the evidence for the use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19 is mixed.

While some studies have shown promising results, others have not found any significant benefits. It is important to note that most of the studies conducted so far have been small and have not undergone rigorous clinical trials. In addition, the studies have used different doses and durations of treatment, which makes it difficult to compare the results. It is also important to note that while ivermectin is generally considered safe, it can have side effects, especially at higher doses.

The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. In rare cases, ivermectin can cause more serious side effects, such as seizures and low blood pressure. Given the mixed evidence and the potential side effects, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not recommended the use of ivermectin for COVID-19. The WHO has stated that there is a lack of evidence to recommend the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 outside of clinical trials. The FDA has also stated that the available data do not support the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment or prevention, and that taking large doses of ivermectin is dangerous and can cause serious harm.

 

References

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