Ivermectin, a Molecular Swiss Army Knife: A Review of Mechanisms, Indications and Safety Concerns in Drug Repurposing

Ivermectin, originally developed for the treatment of parasitic diseases such as onchocerciasis (river blindness), has earned its title of “wonder drug” due to its broad-spectrum therapeutic activity. Ivermectin’s potential to address unmet global health challenges makes it an important focus for future medical research. This review explores ivermectin’s mechanisms of action and its expanding therapeutic applications, including in parasitic, bacterial and viral infections, and cancer among other disorders. It demonstrates a robust safety profile, and wide scale studies have not demonstrated reproductive harm in humans. This review highlights the ongoing research and emphasizes the need for careful consideration of both the benefits and risks of ivermectin. Further studies are required to support its repurposing for new indications.