🪱 What Parasites Does Ivermectin Kill — and What Happens After?

Ivermectin is not a broad “kill-everything” drug. It is highly specific in what it targets and how it works.

🔬 How Ivermectin Works (Mechanism of Action)

Ivermectin binds to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels found in the nerve and muscle cells of certain parasites. This causes:

Increased chloride ion influx

Paralysis of the parasite

Eventual death due to inability to feed, move, or maintain cellular balance

Humans do not have these channels, which is why ivermectin—when properly dosed—is generally safe for approved uses.

Source:

Campbell WC. Ivermectin and Abamectin. Springer-Verlag

NIH / PubChem – Ivermectin Mechanism

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ivermectin

🧫 Parasites Ivermectin Is Known to Kill

✅ 1. Nematodes (Roundworms)

Ivermectin is especially effective against nematodes, including:

Strongyloides stercoralis

→ Causes strongyloidiasis (intestinal infection that can become life-threatening if untreated)

Onchocerca volvulus

→ Causes river blindness (onchocerciasis)

Ascaris lumbricoides

→ Large intestinal roundworm

Wuchereria bancrofti (microfilariae stage)

→ Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis)

Brugia malayi (microfilariae stage)

Important:

Ivermectin is most effective against larval and microfilarial stages, not adult worms in some species.

Sources:

WHO Essential Medicines List

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-MHP-HPS-EML-2023.02

CDC – Parasites Overview

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/

✅ 2. Ectoparasites (External Parasites)

Ivermectin is also effective against parasites that live on the skin:

Sarcoptes scabiei

→ Scabies

Pediculus humanus capitis / corporis

→ Head and body lice

These parasites rely on nerve signaling that ivermectin disrupts.

Source:

CDC – Scabies & Lice Treatment

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/health_professionals/meds.html

❌ Parasites Ivermectin Does Not Kill

This distinction matters.

Ivermectin is not effective against:

Protozoa (e.g., Giardia, Entamoeba)

Bacteria

Viruses

Fungi

Tapeworms (cestodes)

Flukes (trematodes)

This is why ivermectin has no antiviral effect in real-world human dosing.

Source:

FDA Consumer Update

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/ivermectin-and-covid-19

🧹 What Happens to the Parasites After They Die?

🩺 They Are Not “Left Behind” Intact

Once ivermectin paralyzes and kills susceptible parasites:

1. The immune system takes over

Macrophages and other immune cells break down parasite tissue

Debris is cleared via lymphatic and digestive systems

2. Dead parasites are expelled or reabsorbed

Intestinal parasites → passed in stool

Blood or tissue parasites → broken down and cleared gradually

3. Inflammatory reactions can occur

Especially with high parasite loads

Known as a Mazzotti reaction in filarial infections

Symptoms may include:

Fever

Rash

Swelling

Muscle or joint pain

This reaction is due to parasite die-off, not drug toxicity.

Sources:

CDC – Onchocerciasis Treatment

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/onchocerciasis/health_professionals/tx.html

WHO – Mazzotti Reaction

https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/onchocerciasis

🧬 Does Ivermectin Kill Parasite Eggs?

🚫 No — ivermectin does NOT reliably kill parasite eggs.

It mainly affects larvae and adult parasites

Eggs may survive and hatch later

This is why:

Repeat dosing is often required

Treatment schedules are carefully timed

Source:

MedlinePlus – Ivermectin Dosing

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607069.html

⚠️ Why This Matters for Public Misuse

Because ivermectin:

Does not kill all parasites

Does not sterilize the body

Does not eliminate eggs

Does not affect viruses

Claims that it “cleans the blood,” “detoxes parasites,” or “prevents infections broadly” are biologically inaccurate.

Source:

AMA – Why Ivermectin Should Not Be Used for COVID-19

https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/infectious-diseases/why-ivermectin-should-not-be-used-prevent-or-treat-covid-19

🧠 Key Takeaway for Readers

✔ Ivermectin is a targeted antiparasitic medication

✔ It works against specific worms and ectoparasites

❌ It does not kill viruses, bacteria, or most parasites

⚠ Parasite die-off is handled by the immune system—not “left behind”

Used appropriately, ivermectin is valuable medicine. Used incorrectly, it is ineffective and potentially harmful.