Ivermectin

Definition

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug used to treat various helminthic infections. It works by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels in the parasite's nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis and death of the parasite.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ivermectin is effective against a range of parasitic worms, including those causing onchocerciasis and strongyloidiasis.
2. It is also used to treat ectoparasitic infections like scabies and head lice.
3. The drug has a high safety profile but should be used cautiously in people with compromised blood-brain barriers.
4. Ivermectin is derived from avermectins, which are naturally occurring compounds produced by the bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis.
5. Resistance to ivermectin can develop in parasites, necessitating combination therapies or alternative treatments.

Review Questions

• How does ivermectin work at the cellular level in parasites?
• What types of infections can be treated with ivermectin?
• Why must caution be exercised when administering ivermectin to individuals with compromised blood-brain barriers?

Related terms

antiparasitic drugs: Medications used to treat infections caused by parasites such as protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites.

helminthic infections: Diseases caused by parasitic worms, including roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes.

glutamate-gated chloride channels: Ion channels targeted by certain antiparasitic drugs, crucial for nerve signal transmission in some parasites.