Ivermectin: What It Is, How It's Used, and What the Evidence Shows

When you hear ivermectin, a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication originally developed for animals and later approved for human use in specific infections. Also known as Stromectol, it's one of the most widely used drugs for treating parasitic worms and mites in low-resource settings. It's not a miracle cure for every illness, but for certain conditions, it’s life-changing.

It works by paralyzing and killing parasites—specifically targeting nerve and muscle cells in worms and mites. That’s why it’s a first-line treatment for onchocerciasis, also called river blindness, a disease caused by parasitic worms transmitted by blackflies, and strongyloidiasis, a threadworm infection common in tropical regions. It’s also the go-to for scabies, a skin infestation by mites that causes intense itching, especially when topical creams fail. These are proven, FDA-approved uses backed by decades of real-world data.

But you’ve probably heard more about ivermectin in relation to COVID-19. That’s where things get messy. While some early lab studies showed it could block the virus in petri dishes, human trials have consistently failed to show real benefits for treating or preventing COVID. Major health agencies like the WHO and FDA warn against using it for this purpose. The risk? Side effects like dizziness, nausea, and in rare cases, severe neurological reactions—especially if you take veterinary-grade versions, which are not made for humans.

What’s clear is that ivermectin isn’t a drug you should experiment with. It’s powerful, precise, and meant for specific conditions under medical supervision. People who use it without a prescription, especially for unapproved reasons, aren’t just wasting money—they’re putting their health at risk. The same goes for mixing it with other medications. If you’re on blood thinners, seizure meds, or certain antibiotics, ivermectin can interact dangerously.

Below, you’ll find real-world insights from people who’ve used ivermectin—for the right reasons and the wrong ones. You’ll see how it’s prescribed, what side effects actually happen, and how it compares to other treatments for parasitic infections. No hype. No guesswork. Just what the evidence shows.