Question 1

Is DuraMectin the same as ivermectin?

Accepted Answer

DuraMectin is a brand-name veterinary product where the active drug is ivermectin. It is intended specifically for horses and is sold as an oral paste. While it contains the same active ingredient as human tablets, it is much more concentrated (usually 1.87%). This means it is designed for an animal weighing over 1,000 pounds, making it unsafe and inappropriately dosed for humans.

Question 2

What is the difference between doramectin and ivermectin?

Accepted Answer

Doramectin is a related macrocyclic lactone but has different chemical properties and a longer half-life. It is often used in cattle to provide longer-lasting protection against parasites compared to ivermectin. Both are part of the avermectin family, but doramectin is strictly for veterinary use and is often found in products like Dectomax.

Question 3

How much ivermectin is in DuraMectin?

Accepted Answer

Each tube of Duramectin usually contains enough 1.87% ivermectin paste to treat a 1,250-pound horse. This concentration is extremely high. In human medicine, ivermectin is typically administered in micrograms per kilogram of body weight. Attempting to use a horse syringe for human dosing often leads to accidental overdose and severe toxicity.

Question 4

What is comparable to ivermectin?

Accepted Answer

In the world of deworming, drugs like moxidectin or fenbendazole are comparable alternatives for treating livestock. In human medicine, doctors might use albendazole or pyrantel pamoate depending on the specific type of parasite. The choice depends on the resistance patterns of the parasites and the health history of the patient.

Question 5

What is better than ivermectin?

Accepted Answer

The term "better" is highly dependent on the medical condition being treated. For certain parasites, newer drugs like moxidectin may provide longer-lasting results. However, ivermectin remains the "gold standard" for river blindness due to its safety profile when used correctly. A healthcare provider or veterinarian will choose the best option based on the latest clinical research.

Question 6

Is ivermectin the same as DuraMectin?

Accepted Answer

Chemically, yes, they utilize the same active compound. However, as medical products, they are completely different. DuraMectin includes inactive ingredients and flavorings designed for horses, whereas human ivermectin is formulated for the human digestive system and metabolism. They are not interchangeable.

Question 7

Are doramectin and ivermectin the same thing?

Accepted Answer

No, they are distinct molecules within the same drug class. Doramectin is a biosynthetic derivative of ivermectin. It has a slightly different structure that allows it to stay in the animal's system for a longer period, which can be advantageous for preventing re-infection in cattle herds.

Question 8

Who cannot take ivermectin?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with a known allergy to ivermectin or its components should avoid it. It is also potentially dangerous for people with compromised blood-brain barriers, those taking blood thinners (like warfarin), or patients with severe liver or kidney disease. Pregnant women and young children should only take it under strict medical supervision.

Question 9

How does Duramectin work?

Accepted Answer

The drug works by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nerve and muscle cells of the parasite. This causes an influx of chloride ions, leading to hyperpolarization and eventually paralysis. Once the parasite is paralyzed, it can no longer feed or attach to the host's tissues, resulting in its death.

Question 10

What are the major side effects of ivermectin?

Accepted Answer

In humans, major side effects can include severe dizziness, loss of balance, seizures, and a dangerous drop in blood pressure. In some cases, a systemic inflammatory response known as the Mazzotti reaction can occur when treating certain parasitic infections. If someone ingests animal-grade Duramectin, they may experience neurological failure or coma.

Question 11

Is ivermectin used for deworming?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is one of the most widely used deworming agents in history. It has been instrumental in reducing the prevalence of various parasitic infections globally. Its discovery was so significant to public health that it earned its discoverers a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015.