Ivermectin Ingredients for Humans vs Horses: What’s the Difference?

Ivermectin ingredients for humans vs horses is a topic that may not be of interest to many people, but if you are taking this medicine, or considering it, it should be. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five Americans has strongyloidiasis or pinworm infection. The CDC also reports that 75% of cases are found among children under the age of 4 years old. Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic drug used to treat these infections, which are caused by roundworms living in the intestines. However, there are different doses for humans and horses. In this article, we will answer the question, “What are the differences between Ivermectin ingredients for horses and humans?”

Ivermectin Ingredients

Ivermectin is available under a variety of brand names. The active ingredient in Ivermectin is called Avermectin. The two forms of this drug used to treat animals are the veterinary formulation, which is sold as a pill or liquid for use on horses and other large animals, and the human formulation, which usually comes in tablet form or injection.

In liquid form both contain about 200 micrograms of Avermectin per milliliter (mL) but the dose for humans is much lower than that given to horses (it’s about one-tenth as much).

The reason for this difference has to do with how differently different species metabolize drugs. Horses have significantly larger livers than humans and can break down substances like Avermectin more efficiently than we can because their liver processes such a high dose, they excrete very little of the drug into their bloodstream.

Humans’ smaller livers process drugs more slowly and don’t break down as much Avermectin, so a lower dose is needed to produce the same effect in humans as it does in horses.

In addition, Ivermectin for animals has been made with an oily carrier that improves its absorption into the bloodstream, whereas Ivermectin for humans is not sold in combination with oil because it can cause nausea and vomiting.

Ivermectin Dosage: Human vs Horses

It is important to note that the human-grade Ivermectin is only available as a prescription in some countries. Always consult with your doctor before taking any medication or changing dosages on current prescriptions.

Even though there are different dosage amounts depending on species, both contain some of the same ingredients such as Piperazine Citrate and (S)-Methoprene. However, the human-grade IVM contains two other active ingredients in smaller concentrations compared to those found in liquid horse wormers containing Ivermectin: Praziquantel Citrate and Pyrantel Embonate.

What’s the Difference?

1) Piperazine Citrate is the largest ingredient found in Ivermectin for humans, while Pyrantel Embonate is the smallest. Praziquantel and (S)-Methoprene are also included in both animal and human Ivermectin. However, these ingredients are present in very low amounts.

2) Another difference between human drugs containing Ivermectin vs Liquid Horse Wormer with Ivermectin is that the horse wormer contains Thiabendazole as an inactive ingredient which can be toxic if ingested by some mammals in high amounts. However, this additive makes up only 0.00075% of the total weight of all ingredients combined making it negligible to consider when comparing dosages required for treatment against parasites based on weight.

What Is Piperazine Citrate Used For?

Piperazine Citrate is a chemical compound that has been extensively researched as an anti-parasitic agent against roundworms and tapeworms. It was first isolated from black pepper by German scientists Hermann Staudinger and Otto Diels in 1928 and soon after its discovery, it became commercially available for use in veterinary medicine to eradicate intestinal worms such as Strongyloides or Pinworms. The substance works by interfering with the parasite’s ability to produce ATP (Adenosine triphosphate), a molecule that is essential in the body for cellular function. This works by either blocking or stopping glycolysis, an end process of aerobic respiration where ATP molecules are synthesized from ADP and inorganic phosphate ions.

Piperazine Citrate Use in Humans

As it is not considered safe for use in humans, this compound has never been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to treat infestations of parasitic worms. It can be beneficial in treating intestinal infections caused by Pinworms because they are only found inside the gastrointestinal tract which makes them easier targets for treatment than other parasites that burrow or reside deeper within tissues.

The most common side effects reported with Piperazine Citrate when used as a veterinary drug include:

• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea/vomiting
• Loss of appetite

Less serious adverse reactions may also occur including:

• Gas pains
• Cramps
• Tiredness, or weakness

What Is Pyrantel Embonate Used For?

Pyrantel Embonate is used to treat tapeworm which infests the intestines of horses. It is usually administered as a tablet or injection.

Infection with this type of tapeworm can be passed from horse to horse by contact with feces or skin lesions on the animal, as well as from human to human via food that has been contaminated with the parasite eggs.

Pyrantel Embonate is a broad-spectrum anthelminthic drug that kills a wide range of different types of parasites, including larval forms and mature organisms, in many mammals and birds. As a gut deworming agent it is effective for treatment against various types of worm infections in horses, including:

• Large strongyles

• Small strongyles

• Pinworms

For horses that have a heavy infestation of intestinal worms the dosage is 0.25 mg Pyrantel Embonate per kg body weight given orally using an appropriate dose syringe or via drenching. For less severe worm burdens giving half this dosage once every two months works well for prevention purposes and to minimize drug resistance from developing in the parasites being treated.

The tablets are administered with feed on their own, but can also be ground up and added directly into horse grain if preferred. Pyrantel Embonate Side Effects In some instances where a very high level of parasite infection exists there may be a risk of causing toxicity or anaphylaxis in susceptible animals, so always seek veterinary advice before use and monitor your animal closely after treatment.

Precautions

Ivermectin ingredients for animals should never be taken by mouth because it has been known to cause serious injury (vision loss) if swallowed due to its toxicity.

It’s also important to note that some dogs have died after exposure to Ivermectin on their skin during de-worming treatments so avoid touching animal formulations of this drug excessively.

Ivermectin Ingredients for Human

Ivermectin for humans is a version of the drug that can be used to treat many different types of parasitic infections. Again, the main ingredient is Avermectin, meaning it contains a macrocyclic lactone group. The drug was first approved in 1987 and has been on the market ever since. In humans, this medication works by stopping the growth and development of certain parasites such as scabies mites, lice, or hookworms. Now we can see Avermectin is also effective in helping people with coronavirus infection.

Ivermectin ingredients for humans are typically given orally with doses ranging from 200-400 micrograms/kg per day depending on the type of infection being treated.

Side effects may include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Allergic reactions include:

• Hives and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat
• Dizziness and loss of coordination

Ivermectin Ingredients for Horses

Ivermectin ingredients for horses can be used to treat many different types of parasitic infections in this animal species. The medication was first approved by the FDA in 1981 after being tested on animals since 1974. In horses, this medication works by stopping the growth and development of certain parasites such as lice or worms causing equine infectious anemia (EIA).

The medicine is usually not recommended for horses that are under one year of age.

Conclusion

Ivermectin for humans contains the same active ingredient as those found in liquid horse wormers containing Ivermectin. The concentration difference is because of a variety of other inactive ingredients that include Piperazine Citrate and (S)-Methoprene which is responsible for treating parasites such as pinworms or roundworms that can infect both humans and horses.

Remember, remember that it is always best practice to consult with a doctor before beginning treatment with any medications. If you have additional questions please don’t hesitate to contact us today!