Ivermectin is primarily used to treat several parasitic infections in humans. It is FDA-approved for:

• Onchocerciasis (river blindness) , caused by the parasite Onchocerca volvulus , transmitted by blackfly bites. This can cause itchy rash, vision loss, and skin nodules

• Strongyloidiasis , an intestinal infection caused by the roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis , often contracted from contaminated soil. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and rashes, though some infected individuals may be asymptomatic

• Other intestinal worm infections such as ascariasis, whipworm (trichuriasis), and hookworm infections

• Ectoparasitic infections like head lice (pediculosis) and scabies (mite infestation) , often treated with topical ivermectin formulations

Ivermectin acts by paralyzing and killing parasites through binding to their nerve and muscle chloride channels, disrupting their nervous system function

. It is also used in combination with albendazole to treat lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) caused by Wuchereria bancrofti , a neglected tropical disease affecting the lymphatic system

. While ivermectin has shown antiviral activity in lab studies against viruses like dengue and Zika, it is not approved for treating or preventing COVID-19 by regulatory authorities such as the FDA or WHO

. In summary, ivermectin treats a range of human parasitic infections, mainly:

• Onchocerciasis (river blindness)
• Strongyloidiasis
• Other intestinal worm infections (ascariasis, whipworm, hookworm)
• Ectoparasites (lice, scabies)
• Lymphatic filariasis (with albendazole)

It is a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic drug with a strong safety profile when used as prescribed