Effectiveness of ivermectin for COVID-19: A systematic review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ivermectin in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. METHODS: This is a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. We searched the electronic databases PubMed (1966-2021), EMBASE (1974-2021) and Clinical Trials (2021) and two evidence megabusers: Turning Research Into Practice (TRIP) database (2021) and Epstemonikos (2021). There was no geographic or language restriction, using DeCS descriptors and terms (Health Sciences Descriptors). The synthesis method involved the combination of similar studies in a narrative review. RESULTS: 463 citations were identified, and 2 studies were included, following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Both studies showed very low quality and reduced sampling. CONCLUSION: The studies completed and published to date do not support the use of ivermectin in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. It is suggested to carry out new quality clinical trials to elucidate the issue.