Ivermectin: Uses, Myths, and What the Science Actually Says

When you hear ivermectin, a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication originally developed for livestock and later approved for human use against river blindness and scabies. Also known as Stromectol, it has saved millions from debilitating parasitic infections. It’s not a miracle drug. It’s not a COVID-19 cure. But it is one of the most important medicines ever made for tropical diseases—and it’s been misunderstood for years.

People often mix up ivermectin, a drug approved for specific parasitic conditions with antibiotics, which fight bacteria, not parasites. Ivermectin doesn’t kill viruses. It works by paralyzing and killing worms and mites by disrupting their nerve signals. That’s why it’s used for scabies, head lice, strongyloidiasis, and onchocerciasis (river blindness). The World Health Organization has distributed billions of doses in Africa and Latin America since the 1980s—because it works, and it’s safe when used correctly.

But then came the pandemic. Suddenly, ivermectin was everywhere—on social media, in headlines, even in some clinics. Some claimed it could prevent or treat COVID-19. But large, high-quality studies never showed benefit for COVID-19 patients. The FDA, WHO, and CDC all warn against using it for this purpose. Taking animal formulations or high doses can cause serious harm: dizziness, nausea, low blood pressure, even seizures. It’s not a substitute for vaccines, antivirals, or medical care.

What you’ll find in this collection are clear, no-fluff articles that cut through the noise. You’ll read about how ivermectin actually works in the body, why it’s still essential for parasitic diseases in developing countries, and what the real clinical evidence says about its use beyond approved indications. We also cover related drugs like albendazole and moxidectin, and explain how drug resistance is quietly changing the game in parasite treatment. No hype. No fear. Just facts based on published studies and real-world use.