Ivermectin (CAS: 70288-86-7)

Ivermectin (22,23-dihydroavermectin B1a + 22,23-dihydroavermectin B1b) is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug in the avermectin family. It is sold under brand names Heartgard, Sklice, and Stromectol in theUnited  States, Ivomec worldwide by Merial Animal Health, Mectizan inCanadabyMerck, and Ivexterm inMexicoby Valeant Pharmaceuticals International. In Southeast Asian countries, it is marketed by Delta Pharma Ltd. under the trade name Scabo 6. While in development, it was assigned the code MK-933 by Merck.

It is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, a list of the most important medication needed in a basic health system.

Medical uses

Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent, traditionally against parasitic worms.

It is mainly used in humans in the treatment of onchocerciasis, but is also effective against other worm infestations (such as strongyloidiasis,ascariasis, trichuriasis, filariasis, enterobiasis, and some epidermal parasitic skin diseases, including scabies.

Ivermectin, under the brand name Mectizan, is currently being used to help eliminate river blindness (onchocerciasis) in theAmericas, and to stoptransmission of lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis around the world. Currently, large amounts of ivermectin are donated by Merck to fight river blindness in countries unable to afford the drug. The disease is endemic in 30 African countries, six Latin American countries, andYemen, according to studies conducted by the World Health Organization. The drug rapidly kills microfilariae, but not the adult worms. A single oral dose of ivermectin, taken annually for the 10- to 15-year lifespan of the adult worms, is all that is needed to protect the individual from onchocerciasis.