What is Ivermectin: uses and applications of this controversial drug

During the recent presidential debate in Mexicocandidate Xóchitl Gálvez launched accusations against Claudia Sheinbaum on the use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19. But what really is ivermectin and what is its legitimate medical use?

The ivermectina broad-spectrum antiparasitic, has been a mainstay in the treatment of parasitic diseases in both humans and animals since the 1980s.

Originally intended for combat conditions such as onchocerciasis and strongyloidiasisits effectiveness has been endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Mayo Clinic in the treatment of parasites.

However, controversy arises when its use against COVID-19 is discussed. Although some countries have chosen to use it as a preventive or treatment measure, the WHO has expressed reservations about its effectiveness due to the lack of solid evidence.

Experts point out that the limited number of clinical studies and inconclusive adverse events do not support its widespread use.

What is Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication used to treat various diseases caused by parasites. It was initially developed to combat onchocerciasis, a disease that can cause blindness. However, its use has spread to treat a variety of parasitic diseases, both in humans and animals.

How does it work?
Ivermectin acts on the parasites' nervous system, causing paralysis and death by interfering with chloride channels in the parasites' nerve and muscle cells. It can also affect the host's immune system, contributing to its ability to treat certain infectious diseases.

Side effects and responsible use
While ivermectin is generally considered safe and effective, it can have side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and allergic reactions. It is crucial that its use is supervised by a health professional and that proper dosage instructions are followed.

Graduated from the Autonomous University of the West in 2009 and dedicated to the media since 2010 when he joined El Debate. Since then he has covered various information sources on human, police and health issues. He began his journalistic work in the printed newspaper La i, as editor of El Debate in Sinaloa and later joined the web team of the same publishing house as editor of various sections and mainly of local news from Los Mochis. He is currently the main information editor of the Health section. He has attended various national health conferences such as the Vaccine Update Seminar, Diabetes Summit and the Hemophilia Forum twice.

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