What is Ivermectin?
Ivermectin is an anthelminthic, a drug that rids the body of parasitic worms, or helminths, either by stunning them or killing them. They exterminate the parasites without causing remarkable damage to the host.
Ivermectin is available as a generic or brand. Common brand names include Soolantra and Stromectol.
Ivermectin Forms and Specifications
Ivermectin is available in several different forms and specifications including ivermectin API powder, ivermectin cream, ivermectin tablets, and ivermectin injection.
Ivermectin API Powder 99%
Raw material of Ivermectin API (CAS number 70288-86-7) is in the form of a yellowish-white to white, nonhygroscopic, crystalline powder. The specification from Chinese manufacturers Shandong Lukang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Northeast Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. is 99% min.
Ivermectin Cream
Ivermectin 1% cream is available in generic and the brand name, Soolantra. The cream comes in a 45-gram tube.
Ivermectin Tablets
Ivermectin 3 mg tablets are available in generic and the brand name, Stromectol.
Ivermectin Injection
Ivermectin 1% injection is available over the counter for use in animals only. It is administered subcutaneously. The injection is supplied in 50 mL, 200 mL, and 500 mL vials.
Ivermectin Mechanism of Action
According to DrugBank, ivermectin selectively binds with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels in the parasite’s nerve and muscle cells, causing increased permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions and hyperpolarization of the parasite’s nerve or muscle cell, leading to paralysis and ultimately, death of the parasite by either stunning or a direct kill (DrugBank, 2021).
Ivermectin Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing of ivermectin API must be produced under proper quality control systems that comply with the regulations of international Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) to achieve safe, high-quality API.
The first step to making ivermectin API is the fermentation of the bacterium, Streptomyces avermitilis. Eight similar avermectin derivatives are formed as the byproducts of this fermentation, in which B1a and B1b are the main components. Next is a chemical process in which the double bond at C22-C23 of the B1a and B1b components is hydrogenated to form ivermectin (Gaisser et al.). After the chemical process is successfully completed, impurities are removed from the active ingredient by crystallization, centrifugation, drying, filtration, milling, and/or sieving. Ivermectin API is purified and tested in accordance with quality standards until it reaches 99% min purity specifications.
Uses of Ivermectin
In humans, ivermectin is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by intestinal roundworms (Strongyloidiasis). It is also indicated for the treatment of onchocerciasis, an infection caused by the parasitic worm, Onchocera Volvulus. This infection affects the skin and eyes, making it one of the most common causes of blindness due to an infection. Ivermectin also has “off-label” uses for the treatment of other roundworm infections, head and body lice, and scabies.
In animals, ivermectin is used to prevent heartworm in dogs and cats. It also has “off-label” uses for the treatment of parasites, mites, and scabies in dogs, cats, goats, horses, pigs, and swine.
Ivermectin Dosage
In humans, the dosage of ivermectin is primarily a single oral dose of 150 mcg/kg to 200 mcg/kg. Doses of 400 mcg/kg may also be used, and doses may be repeated in certain instances.
The recommended dosages in animals vary between the kind of animal, the type of parasitic infection, and the dosage form. More information about animal dosages can be found at parasitipedia.net and petmd.com.
Side Effects of Ivermectin
Side effects of ivermectin may include dizziness, fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, rapid heartbeat, and skin rash.
Where can you find the price of Ivermectin API Powder and buy in bulk?
Ivermectin API Manufacturers in China:
Chinese pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturers, Shandong Lukang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Northeast Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd manufacture raw material of ivermectin powder 99% in bulk quantities. If you need a price quote and certificate of analysis (COA) or a detailed specification sheet, please visit these experienced manufacturers on www.pharmasources.com.
Shandong Lukang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Shandong Lukang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has 45 years of comprehensive chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing experience. They are one of China’s leading antibiotic manufacturers and have been listed in Shanghai Stock Exchange since 1997. With an intent focus on high product quality, environmental protection, safety, and health, they produce and market APIs, pharmaceutical intermediates, and finished products for human, animal, and agricultural use. They have been awarded many ISO certifications as well as Good Manufacturing Practice certification with regular inspections by the State Food and Drug Administration.
Northeast Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd
Northeast Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd is large-scale and comprehensive, made up of three business segments: chemical synthetic and bio-fermentation API, western medicinal and micro-ecological preparation, and medical business distribution. They produce antibiotics, anti-AIDs, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular medications, digestive medications, narcotic medications, vitamins, etc. They are certified in Good Manufacturing Practice as well as several ISO.
Advantages of PharmaSources
Pharmasources.com is a professional platform, dedicated to providing the highest-quality products and suppliers for their global customers. They deliver services to 900,000+ active members across 211 countries and regions, while featuring more than 1,600,000 products in 30 major categories that span the entire pharma supply chain. Their mission is “to connect global buyers with quality suppliers and facilitate easy trade of the pharmaceutical industry” (PharmaSources).
FAQ
How much ivermectin should be given to a 50-pound dog?
There are examples below, but the dose depends on which type of parasite and how the drug will be administered. You can find more animal dosage information at parasitipedia.net and petmd.com. According to PetMD:
The typical dose for heartworm prevention is 6 mcg/kg. A 50-pound dog weighs 22.7 kg, so the dose is 136 mcg or 0.136 mg.
The typical dose for treatment of sarcoptic mange is 300 mcg/kg. A 50-pound dog weighs 22.7 kg, so the dose is 6,810 mcg or 6.8 mg.
The typical dose for treatment of demodectic mange is 400-600 mcg/kg. A 50-pound dog weighs 22.7 kg, so the dose is 9,080 mcg (9 mg) to 13,620 mcg (13.6 mg).
What should be expected after taking ivermectin for scabies?
Itching and mild burning can be expected after treatment with ivermectin cream for scabies.
How fast does ivermectin work when taking it for scabies?
Usually, the scabies mite dies after the first treatment. However, a second treatment may be repeated one to two weeks after the first treatment to make sure all the mites have been exterminated.
References
1. Alqahtani, Ali, et al. Avermectin Derivatives, Pharmacokinetics, Therapeutic and Toxic Dosages, Mechanism of Action, and Their Biological Effects. Pharmaceuticals 2020, 13, 196.
Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/13/8/196/htm. Published 17 August 2020. Accessed 24 May 2021.
2. Antihelmintics. GlobalRPh. https://globalrph.com/infectious-diseaselist/anthelmintics/#ivermectin
-stromectol. Accessed May 21, 2021.
3. Coats, Jennifer, DMV. The Safe Use of Ivermectin. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/blogs/fully
vetted/2013/jan/toxic-ivermectin-and-safe-use-of-ivermectin29671#:~:text=Typical%20doses %20for%20ivermectin%20in,for%20treatment%20of%20demodectic%20mange. Published January 8, 2013. Updated March 16, 2016. Accessed May 21, 2021.
4. Company Profile of Northeast Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. PharmaSources. https://www.pharmasources.com/company-profile/northeast-pharmaceutical-group-co-ltd-userId-178.html. Accessed May 21, 2021.
5. Gaisser, Sabine et al. “Direct production of ivermectin-like drugs after domain exchange in the avermectin polyketide synthase of Streptomyces avermitilis ATCC31272.” Organic & biomolecular chemistry vol. 1,16 (2003): 2840-7. doi:10.1039/b304022d
6. Gollakner, Rania, BS, DVM, MPH. Ivermectin. VCA Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ivermectin. Accessed May 21, 2021.
7. Ivermectin. DrugBank. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00602. Updated May 21, 2021. Accessed May 21, 2021.
8. Ivermectin. GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/ivermectin. Accessed May 21, 2021.
9. Ivermectin. MilliporeSigma. https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/catalog/product/sigma/i8898?
lang=en®ion=US. Accessed May 21, 2021.
10. Ivermectin Injection. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/pro/ivermectin-injection.html. Accessed May 21, 2021.
11. Junquera, P. Ivermectin for veterinary use in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pig and poultry against external and internal parasites: worms, lice, mites, ticks and flies. Parasitipedia.net. https://parasitipedia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id= 2449&Itemid=2716. Updated May 19, 2021. Accessed May 21, 2021.
12. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6321424, Ivermectin" PubChem, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ivermectin. Accessed 21 May 2021.
13. Scabies Newnan. Dermatology Institute for Skin Cancer and Cosmetic Surgery.https://www.derminstitutemd.com/dermatology-services-newnan/clinical-skin-procedures/dermal-conditions/scabies/#:~:text=Itching%20and%20mild%20burning%20may,
contacts%20at%20the%20same%20time. Accessed May 21, 2021.
14. Shandong Lukang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. PharmaSources. https://www.pharmasources.com/
company-home/shandong-lukang-pharmaceutical-co-ltd-userId-968.html. Accessed May 21, 2021.
15. Tablets Stromectol (ivermectin). AccessData.fda.gov. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugs
atfda_docs/label/2008/050742s022lbl.pdf. Accessed May 24, 2021.
16. What is an API? Katsura Chemical. https://www.katsura-chemical.co.jp/en/drugs/. Accessed May 21, 2021.
17. Wikipedia contributors. "Onchocerciasis." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 25 Mar. 2021. Web. 21 May. 2021
(All Rights Reserved)