Worms such as whipworms, hookworms and ringworms may cause infections. These infections can take the form of river blindness and of intestinal-strongyloidiasis. River blindness may trigger skin conditions like rashes, skin problems and eye-related discomforts. Intestinal-strongyloidiasis can cause stomach upset along with pain, GERD or heartburn, formation of gas or flatulence. Meds such as ivermectin are administered for such infections. But what are the differences between ivermectin and paxlovid? It is a vital thing to know more on this front, before starting to take either of these meds.
Parasitical worms are known to cause infections in human beings. Most commonly found parasites are ringworms, roundworms, hookworm, whipworm, etc. Medications grouped under a genre called anthelmintics are commonly administered for the treatment of parasites-induced infections.
Ivermectin
What is ivermectin?
Ivermectin is a popular drug that has the clearance of US-based drug authorising agency, food and drug administration (FDA); it is approved to be used on humans to treat worm-triggered infections. This med is widely prescribed for managing conditions such as strongyloidiasis, river blindness, etc.
Ivermectin can be procured in multiple versions; widely available options include orally-consumed tablets, topical lotion and a cream (topical). Those who take the tablet version of this med are advised to take it on an empty-tummy. The ideal time to take ivermectin is 45 – 60 minutes before taking a meal. The best way to take the ivermectin pill is to swallow it; your pharmacist will tell you to take it along with a few ounces of water.
What is paxlovid?
This med contains nirmatrelvir combined with ritonavir. It has the approval from US-based FDA for treating mild / moderate spells of COVID – 19. Of its two main ingredients, nirmatrelvir inhibits progression of the SARS CoV-2 virus; its other active member – ritonavir – helps in slowing down the metabolism and thus prolongs its availability within to fight against this virus.
Paxlovid does not go well with a few other drugs. If your existing medication plans include cholesterol reducing meds (like simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, etc.), painkilling drugs like pethidine or intake of sedative meds such as midazolam / triazolam, etc., your doctor must know of these dosage plans.
What are the differences between ivermectin and paxlovid?
One of the major differences between ivermectin and paxlovid is the former is available as a generic drug. Paxlovid is not yet made available as a generic offering. Ivermectin is grouped under a class of drugs called anthelmintics; paxlovid is categorised as antiviral combinatorial treatment drugs.
Half-life period of paxlovid is the shortest among the two; it takes about 6 hours to reduce its concentration in blood to half its original level. Ivermectin has a relatively stretched half-life period; it takes more than 15.8 hours’ time to halve the concentration level in blood.
These two meds i.e., ivermectin and paxlovid – also differ on the types of adverse reactions / undesired side effects each is known to trigger. Ivermectin is known to cause unpleasant effects like increase in body temperature, rashes on your skin, painful muscles or stiffening of tendons, tremors, weakness / tiredness, an inexplicable change in body weight, etc. Side effects paxlovid is known to trigger include restlessness, migraines, erratic heart rate, drop in appetite levels, hives / itchiness, etc.
Your treatment plan depends upon your body weight, age, how acute is the infection, prior medical conditions – if any, and also on how your system reacts to the initial doses. In order to know of prior allergies, the first few doses of ivermectin are maintained at a very low strength. Your caregiving team will check if your body develops any adverse side effects; if no adverse reactions are observed, the strength is gradually increased.
If you witness severe effects like fainting or respiratory problems such as panting and wheezing, get in touch with your doctor quickly. Those in US may call 911; patients in Canada can reach out to Health Canada on emergency mode.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
Exclusive 30% OFF for New Customers!
