In the pharmaceutical industry, Ivermectin 3 mg is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) agent belonging to the avermectin class. As a pharmacist, I view the 3 mg tablet as the versatile “base unit” for dosing, as it allows for precise weight-based titration for both pediatric and adult patients across various parasitic infections.
Primary Clinical Uses
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Strongyloidiasis: Treatment of intestinal infections caused by the roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis.
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Onchocerciasis (River Blindness): A primary tool in global health for treating infections caused by Onchocerca volvulus. It kills the microfilariae (immature worms) but not the adult worms.
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Scabies: Often used as a second-line treatment (especially for “Crusted Scabies” or in institutional outbreaks) when topical Permethrin has failed or is impractical.
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Lymphatic Filariasis: Used in combination with other drugs (like Albendazole) in mass drug administration programs to prevent the spread of the infection.
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Pediculosis (Head Lice): Occasionally used off-label for severe or resistant cases of head lice.
Mechanism of Action: Nerve and Muscle Paralysis
Ivermectin works by selectively binding to specific channels in the parasite’s nerve and muscle cells.
Chloride Channel Binding: It binds with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride channels found in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells.
Hyperpolarization: This binding increases the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions.
Paralysis and Death: The influx of chloride ions causes hyperpolarization of the nerve or muscle cell, leading to the paralysis and eventual death of the parasite.
Host Safety: Because these specific channels do not exist in humans (and Ivermectin does not easily cross the blood-brain barrier in humans), it has a high safety margin for the host.
The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Formulation & Export
From a manufacturing and global trade standpoint, Ivermectin 3 mg is a high-demand product with significant international oversight:
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Weight-Based Dosing: Since Ivermectin is typically dosed at 200 mcg/kg, the 3 mg tablet is ideal for “stacking” (e.g., a 60 kg adult takes four 3 mg tablets). As a WHO-GMP manufacturer, we ensure precise assay and disintegration times to guarantee uniform absorption across multiple tablets.
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Stability for Export: Ivermectin is sensitive to light and moisture. We utilize Alu-Alu or high-barrier PVC/PVDC blister packaging to ensure a 36-month shelf life, which is critical for export to Zone IVb regions (Africa, SE Asia, and Latin America).
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B2B & Public Health Tenders: This is a core product for NGOs and tropical medicine distributors. Our Mumbai facility provides the CTD/eCTD Dossiers and stability data required to participate in international government and institutional tenders.
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Market Trends: Since 2020, there has been a massive surge in global demand and interest in Ivermectin. We maintain strict compliance with BP/USP/IP monographs to ensure we provide high-purity generics that meet global standards.