Ivermectin is a medication that has been used to treat parasitic infections in humans and animals for decades. Recently, there has been interest in using ivermectin to treat COVID-19, though there is not yet convincing evidence that it is effective for this purpose. One potential side effect of ivermectin that is sometimes discussed is dehydration.
What is ivermectin?
Ivermectin is a medication that is used to treat certain parasitic worm infections in humans, pets, and livestock. In humans, ivermectin is approved by the FDA to treat infections caused by roundworms, threadworms, and other parasites. Some common uses include:
- Treating river blindness (onchocerciasis)
- Treating certain types of filariasis
- Treating scabies
- Treating lice
Ivermectin works by paralyzing and killing parasites. It binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels that are present in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis and death of the parasites.
How could ivermectin cause dehydration?
The mechanism by which ivermectin could potentially cause dehydration is not entirely clear. Here are a few possible ways it may happen:
- Diarrhea – Ivermectin may cause mild diarrhea in some people, which could lead to fluid loss and dehydration if severe.
- Binding receptors in the gut – Ivermectin may bind to glutamate receptors found in the gut, potentially altering gut motility and absorption.
- Increasing urine output – Some studies in animals suggest ivermectin may slightly increase urination, possibly through effects on kidney function.
So in summary, ivermectin could possibly cause dehydration through effects on the GI tract or urinary system. However, in most cases side effects are generally mild.
What does the evidence say about ivermectin causing dehydration?
Most clinical evidence does not support that ivermectin causes significant dehydration:
- In trials of ivermectin for scabies, there was no reported increase in dehydration versus placebo.
- In studies of ivermectin for COVID-19, rates of dehydration were similar to control groups.
- A review of available ivermectin trials did not identify dehydration as a consistent or prominent side effect.
However, there are a few caveats:
- Dehydration may be possible in rare cases or with very high doses.
- People who are prone to dehydration may need to take caution.
- More research is still needed on ivermectin safety at different doses.
Overall though, clinical trials do not indicate a strong link between ivermectin and dehydration for standard doses. The side effect appears relatively uncommon.
Can ivermectin dehydration be treated or prevented?
If someone does experience dehydration while taking ivermectin, it can be treated by:
- Drinking extra fluids
- Consuming oral rehydration solutions
- Eating foods with electrolytes
- Seeking medical treatment if severe
Ways to possibly prevent dehydration include:
- Drinking plenty of extra fluids while on ivermectin
- Avoiding excessive alcohol intake
- Monitoring for diarrhea, vomiting, etc.
- Weighing oneself regularly to check for weight loss
Talking to a doctor can help determine if extra precautions are needed for those at higher risk of dehydration. But for most people taking ivermectin, drinking adequate fluids is likely sufficient to prevent dehydration.
Key Points
- Ivermectin may possibly cause mild dehydration in some cases, likely through diarrhea or increased urination.
- However, clinical trials have not identified dehydration as a major side effect of ivermectin.
- Drinking extra fluids can usually prevent or treat mild ivermectin dehydration.
- Severe dehydration is very unlikely with appropriate ivermectin doses.