Is Ivermectin an Antibiotic?

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Written By Julie Ingram
A doctor checking whether Ivermectin is an antibiotic or not.

Antibiotics are a specific group of medicines that help fight bacterial infections. They include a wide range of powerful drugs that help treat diseases caused by bacteria. Such medication mainly works by killing bacteria and making it difficult for them to grow and multiply. 

Though our immune system can kill bacteria, in some cases, when the microorganism multiplies and spreads throughout the body, our body requires the assistance of antibiotics. Some people might ask whether Ivermectin is an antibiotic or not; therefore, by reading this article, one can know the correlation between the two.

However, antibiotics are not effective against all infections. Though antibiotics can work in treating diseases triggered by bacteria (germs), they are ineffective against viruses. It is crucial to get a proper medical consultation before starting antibiotic treatment for your bacterial infections.

Some of the specific ways in which one can take antibiotics are as follows:-

  • Oral administration in the form of tablets, capsules, or liquids.
  • Topical administration in the form of a spray, cream, or ointment.
  • Injection or intravenously administered.

What is the most common use of antibiotics?

A bacterial infection can affect almost any organ in the body; it is essential to consult a medical professional before the disease worsens. A general physician may start an antibiotic treatment after diagnosing all the symptoms of the bacterial infection.

A woman looking at an antibiotic medication in a medical store.
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Some of the common uses of antibiotics are as follows:-

  • Skin infections
  • Meningitis
  • Strep throat
  • Dental infections
  • Clostridioides
  • Whooping cough
  • Bacterial pneumonia
  • Ear or sinus infection
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Bladder or kidney infection

Is Ivermectin tablet an antibiotic?

Ivermectin and antibiotic medication are not the same things. Ivermectin (Ivecop tablets) belongs to a class of drugs commonly known as anthelmintics, which help treat a diverse range of infections triggered by worms like hookworms, whipworms, and other parasitic worms. In contrast, antibiotic medications are specifically prescribed to treat bacterial infections like meningitis, strep throat, skin infections, etc. Though Ivermectin tablets are not steroids, some people might make a common mistake of believing so.

A doctor may prescribe you Ivermectin 3mg tablets if diagnosed with onchocerciasis, strongyloidiasis, or other parasitic infection. However, do not take the medication without a valid prescription to avoid adverse side effects. One can purchase Ivermectin tablets from our website, Fordailymedicine.com.

Also Read: Is Ivermectin a Steroid?

What are the adverse effects of taking antibiotics?

Antibiotic medication can also trigger some unwanted side effects if not correctly administered. For instance, some of the common side effects of antibiotic tablets that one can face are as follows:- 

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Indigestion
  • Skin rashes
  • Abdominal pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Trouble breathing

It is essential to let your doctor know your medical history and the necessary information about the medication you might be taking.

What happens when you overuse antibiotics?

Taking an overdose of antibiotic medication can make the bacteria and other microbes in the body resist the effect of antibiotic treatment. This can lead to a state of antibiotic resistance if not correctly managed. Taking an extra dosage of antibiotic tablets can result in side effects like stomach upset and diarrhea. 

What are the guidelines for antibiotic use?

Antibiotic medication should always be taken as per the guidelines given by the medical professional. Some of the key points to keep in mind while getting administered antibiotic medication are as follows:-

A doctor recommending antibiotic medication to a patient.
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  • It is crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotic treatment.
  • One should take antibiotics only when specifically prescribed by a doctor.
  • Take antibiotics as per the advice given by the doctor.
  • Avoid taking antibiotics if you don’t have a bacterial infection, as it may kill the helpful bacteria in the body.

Why should you not take antibiotics?

Taking antibiotic medication is quite effective in treating bacterial infections among humans. But there are some instances in which one should avoid taking antibiotic drugs are as follows:-

  • If you have a disease triggered by a virus, antibiotics will be ineffective.
  • Avoid taking antibiotics if you consume alcohol regularly.
  • Taking antibiotics when not required can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Always take antibiotics only when needed and under the guidance of a medical professional.

Also read: What is the Right Medicine for Scabies?

Conclusion

It is clear that Ivermectin is not an antibiotic. Ivermectin is mainly prescribed when a person gets diagnosed with a parasitic infection. In contrast, antibiotics are recommended to treat bacterial infections. 

Though bacterias can survive outside of the human body, parasites do require a living host to live in. Antibiotics medication is highly recommended in treating infections triggered by bacteria but is relatively ineffective against viruses. Always consult a medical professional before taking antibiotic medicines to treat bacterial infections.

Also Read: Know How to Take Ivermectin Effectively

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ivermectin an over-the-counter drug?

The topical lotion is the only Ivermectin drug that is available in the form of over-the-counter. However, buying other forms of Ivermectin medication would require a valid medical prescription.

What is the correct dosage of Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is mainly given as a single dose over some time. However, if the parasitic infection persists, one may be given an additional dosage. It is crucial to take Ivermectin tablets as per the specific instructions given by the medical expert.