Ivermectin works by paralyzing and killing the parasites, thus clearing the infection from the body. It is usually taken as a single dose, with the exact dosage and duration of treatment determined by the healthcare provider based on factors such as the patient's weight and the severity of the infection.In addition to its antiparasitic properties, ivermectin has garnered interest for its potential antiviral activity. Some studies have suggested that it may inhibit the replication of certain viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.

However, more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of ivermectin against viral infections.