Ivermectin is an anti-parasite medication used to treat parasitic diseases, including parasitic worms, hookworm, whipworm, and external parasites.

Ivermectin tablets (Stromectol) are FDA-approved to treat strongyloidiasis of the intestinal tract and onchocerciasis (river blindness). Ivermectin cream (Soolantra) is FDA-approved to treat rosacea, and ivermectin lotion (Sklice) is a treatment for head lice.

Ivermectin works by paralyzing muscles in parasites, causing them to die. Ivermectin mechanism of action in parasites is by binding to glutamate- gated chloride channels (GluCl), causing paralysis.

It does not affect mammals as it is unable to enter the mammal's central nervous system, where the GluCl channels are located. Ivermectin capsules are also thought to help the human immune response to being able to overcome immature worms and kill them. It is thought that ivermectin tablets may suppress the ability of the parasite to secrete proteins that help it to evade

the host’s natural immune defence mechanism. Ivermectin capsules have also been used off-label for scabies and other parasites. Though not listed as an FDA approved treatment, several doctors have used Ivermectin off label for treatment of Covid and other infections