Ivermectin can constrain Covid outspread, finds an AIIMS research

• 2,600 healthcare workers of AIIMS were provided with 1,600 tablets.
• The doses given were dependent on body weight at a rate of 0.3 mg per kg of body weight.
• Ivermectin doses available in 3 mg, 6 mg and 12mg may cost Rs 16 to Rs 24 per head.

THDNewsDesk, Bhubaneshwar: AIIMS Bhubaneshwar has declared in a recent study that anti-parasite drug ivermectin can control Covid-19 disease to a large extent. The researchers estimated that an economical drug would contribute a window of hope to governments and authorities trying to check the virus while the world awaits a vaccine.

Gitanjali Batmanabane, Director, AIIMS Bhubaneshwar who is a part of the study stated that Ivermectin is utilised, as an off label ailment for Covid-19 in few states, the findings on its efficaciousness in preventing infection is essential.

In early September, Batmanabane stated that though Ivermectin, is being employed as an off-label medication option for Covid-19 in some states. The results of its effectiveness in inhibiting infection is vital.

Batmanabane stated, “We found that those who received two doses of Ivermectin had 73% less chance of getting infected for the next month. We are confident it can be an effective tool to check the infection spread.”

Approximately 2,600 healthcare workers of AIIMS including doctors, nurses, paramedics and security staff, were provided tablets while 1,600 others did not accept it willingly. The doses given were reliant on body weight at a rate of 0.3 mg per kg of body weight.

Binod Patro, Additional Professor of Community Medicine at AIIMS also an author, stated that the institute received a queue from a University in Egypt. He felt, “Given the fact that Ivermectin is very low-cost, it can be a potent weapon to prevent the virus spread among people in different settings. If it is used, before the second wave, new infections could be far less.”

Regulating, Ivermectin doses available in 3 mg, 6 mg and 12mg may cost Rs 16 to Rs 24 per head. The study, ‘Role of ivermectin in the prevention of COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers in India: A matched case-control study’ is in the pre-print stage (https://www.medrxiv.org) and not yet critiqued.

Experts appeared optimistic concerning the results. Jayant Panda, Professor of Internal Medicine at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, and Technical Adviser to the State Government on Covid-19, stated- Currently, Ivermectin is utilised in Odisha on active Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms, if they have heart problems where hydroxychloroquine is not suggested. He said, “If it is working in prevention, it should be good new.”

Source-Times Of India