Ivermectin in the treatment of COVID-19— friend or foe?

  • N Schellack University of Pretoria
  • N Padayachee University of the Witwatersrand
  • G Schellack
Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, ivermectin, macrocyclic lactone, endectocide

Abstract

The global number of deaths due to COVID-19 is almost at the two million mark, with over 35 000 deaths in South Africa. Although there are hopes of a safe and effective vaccination programme, the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country is putting a significant strain on the healthcare system. Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug, has been widely published on social media platforms and news outlets as a so-called miracle drug for the treatment of COVID-19. Ivermectin is not registered in SA as a drug for human use, but rather as a veterinary and agricultural product. Currently, from a small number of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), there does seem to be a signal of evidence for the use of ivermectin in the management of COVID-19. Pharmacists must, however, remain cognisant of their ethical responsibilities as well as the applicable regulations that prohibit the procurement and dispensing of any unregistered medicine.

Author Biographies

N Schellack, University of Pretoria

Department of Pharmacology, University of Pretoria, South Africa

N Padayachee, University of the Witwatersrand

Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

G Schellack

Pharmaceutical industry specialist in clinical research and applied pharmacology, South Africa

Published
2021-03-25
Issue
Vol 25 No 1 (2021)
Section
Review
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