Ivermectin – A Miracle drug discovery

Abstract

Since the beginning of 1975, Ivermectin is Considered to be a “Miracle Drug”due to its amazing properties for treatment on various infections caused by nematodes and parasites. Ivermectin a drug provided as a medicine helped thousands of communities and millions of people suffering and complete resistance on filariases in humans. It is considered to be one of greatest inventions, as a multi-purpose medicine. It is now registered for health use in 35 countries and is under evaluation for possible use in humans. Ivermectin is a potent macrocyclic lactone that paralyzes many nematodes and arthropods by an influx of chloride ions through cell membranes. it is as effective as the drugs currently available against the intestinal nematodes Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Enterobius vermicularis; against human hookworms, it shows only partial efficacy. Preliminary studies indicate that ivermectin has the potential, so become the drug of choice for human ectoparasitic infestations (mites, lice). Its use has revolutionized the treatment in animals and has given hope of controlling or even eradicating heartworm in humans. Ivermectin is a recently discovered, broad-spectrum,combination drug of unprecedented potency that is currently routinely administered to cattle, horses, sheep and pigs in several countries. it is an economical management of nematodes of ducts and parasitic pathways, hissing flies, mites, lice and ticks. However, most of the dose of ivermectin is ultimately excreted in the faeces of treated animals wherever it has been shown to have an insecticidal effect on economically important larvae. Over 99% of all current cases are in sub-Saharan Africa. Fortunately, vector control and community-led treatment with ivermectin have significantly reduced morbidity. The use of ivermectin in human medicine has shown an extremely low rate of adverse effects, with the exception of treatment of loiasis and onchocerciasis, where death from a high micro filarial load can cause severe encephalopathy. It is currently the best therapeutic option in the treatment of gnathostomiasis and crusted scabies and may be an alternative option in ascariasis and Mansonella infections. Although much remains to be learned about how the drug works and how resistance will  develop, it has earned the title of "wonder drug".