can humans take injectable ivermectin orally

Can Humans Take Injectable Ivermectin Orally?

Ivermectin is a widely recognized anti-parasitic medication frequently prescribed for various infections in both humans and animals. It has gained significant attention in recent years, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking discussion about its efficacy for treating viral infections and its possible applications beyond its traditional use. Within this context, one question that arises is whether humans can take injectable ivermectin orally.

Understanding Ivermectin

Before addressing the specifics of injectable ivermectin, it is essential to understand what ivermectin is and how it works. Ivermectin belongs to a class of medications known as macrocyclic lactones, and it targets the nervous system of parasites, leading to their paralysis and death. It is FDA-approved for treating conditions like river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, and strongyloidiasis, among others.

In veterinary medicine, ivermectin is routinely used to treat a variety of parasites in animals, including heartworms in dogs and internal parasites in livestock. However, humans must use formulations explicitly approved for them, as the dosages and formulations can differ significantly between species.

Injectable Ivermectin vs. Oral Ivermectin

Ivermectin is available in different forms, including tablets for oral administration and an injectable solution primarily intended for veterinary use. While humans typically receive ivermectin in pill form, the injectable solution is designed for direct administration into an animal's bloodstream. This difference raises concerns and questions about the safety and appropriateness of administering injectable ivermectin orally.

Injectable ivermectin is not formulated for oral consumption, and doing so can pose health risks. The injectable formulation may contain solvents or other excipients that are safe for injection but not suitable for oral ingestion. These additional components could cause gastrointestinal irritation or other adverse effects in humans if ingested.

Moreover, dosing variations between injectable and oral formulations may lead to potential overdoses or underdoses, as the bioavailability—the proportion of the drug that enters the circulation when introduced into the body—differs between the two forms. For instance, the oral bioavailability of ivermectin is lower than that of the injectable form, as the drug is metabolized in the liver before it reaches systemic circulation. This discrepancy could complicate dosing and effectiveness, making the use of injectable ivermectin in this way dangerous.

Safety and Regulatory Considerations

From a regulatory standpoint, taking injectable ivermectin orally is not advised. The FDA has specific guidelines regarding the use of ivermectin products, and any formulation intended for human use must comply with established testing and safety protocols. Because injectable ivermectin is designed for animal use, it has not been subjected to the same rigorous testing for human safety and efficacy.

Moreover, reports and studies have emerged indicating that the unregulated use of ivermectin—especially in forms not approved for human use—can lead to significant health risks. Cases of severe toxicity have been reported in individuals who took ivermectin formulations intended for veterinary use, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, and even seizures.

Conclusion

In summary, while ivermectin is a valuable medication with crucial applications in treating parasitic infections in humans, taking injectable ivermectin orally is not safe or advisable. The specific formulations, dosing discrepancies, and potential health risks associated with non-approved use underscore the importance of utilizing medications only as directed by healthcare professionals. Individuals seeking treatment for parasitic infections or any other medical condition should consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the safest and most effective treatment options. Always rely on approved formulations and avoid unregulated uses to ensure safety and efficacy in treatment.