Ivermectin: A Closer Look at a Potential Remedy
Karim O Elkholy1, Omar Hegazy2, Burak Erdinc1
1Internal Medicine, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA.
Cureus
|October 16, 2020
Summary
Inhaled ivermectin may effectively treat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by achieving targeted lung concentrations. This approach could offer a new therapeutic strategy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Virology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
- Several antivirals, including remdesivir and favipiravir, are under investigation for SARS-CoV-2 treatment.
- Hydroxychloroquine trials were discontinued due to lack of survival benefit.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose inhaled ivermectin as a potential treatment for SARS-CoV-2.
- To theorize achieving effective lung concentrations of ivermectin via inhalation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on ivermectin's antiviral properties.
- Theoretical modeling of inhaled ivermectin pharmacokinetics in the lungs.
Main Results:
- Ivermectin exhibits previously documented in vitro antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2.
- Inhaled administration could potentially achieve therapeutic drug concentrations directly in the lungs.
Conclusions:
- Inhaled ivermectin presents a theoretical strategy to effectively target SARS-CoV-2 in the lungs.
- Further research is warranted to establish the survival benefit and efficacy of inhaled ivermectin for COVID-19.
Keywords:
antiviral therapycoronavirus 2019 (covid-19)favipiravirhydroxychloroquineinhaled antiviralsivermectinremedisivirsevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (sars-cov-2)More Related Videos
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