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Ivermectin: a long-acting microfilaricidal agent

E I Ette1, W O Thomas, J I Achumba

  • 1University of Lagos, Nigeria.

DICP : the Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|April 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Ivermectin effectively kills Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae, reducing transmission and offering a safer alternative to diethylcarbamazine for onchocerciasis treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Parasitology
  • Tropical Medicine

Background:

  • Ivermectin is a potent macrocyclic lactone with broad-spectrum activity against parasites.
  • Onchocerciasis, caused by Onchocerca volvulus, is a significant public health concern transmitted by black flies.
  • Diethylcarbamazine is the current standard treatment but is associated with severe Mazzoti-type reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ivermectin in treating onchocerciasis.
  • To compare ivermectin's side effect profile with diethylcarbamazine.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical trials involving oral administration of ivermectin (0.15-0.2 mg/kg).
  • Assessment of microfilaricidal activity and reduction in dermal microfilariae density.
  • Comparison of adverse event profiles between ivermectin and diethylcarbamazine.

Main Results:

  • Ivermectin demonstrated significant microfilaricidal activity, reducing dermal microfilariae density to near zero for 6-12 months post-dose.
  • The drug exhibited a favorable pharmacokinetic profile with a rapid time to maximum concentration and a defined elimination half-life.
  • Controlled trials indicated ivermectin is associated with milder side effects compared to diethylcarbamazine, notably lacking severe Mazzoti-type reactions.

Conclusions:

  • Ivermectin is an effective and safer alternative for onchocerciasis therapy.
  • The drug's superior tolerability profile warrants its adoption as the preferred treatment over diethylcarbamazine.

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