What is the prognosis for ivermectin toxicity with appropriate supportive care?

• A. Good prognosis due to transient effects
• B. Poor prognosis with permanent blindness
• C. Prognosis depends on ivermectin dose only
• D. Prognosis is unpredictable

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that ivermectin toxicity in humans is typically reversible when we provide supportive care. In overdose, the drug can cause CNS depression, but there isn’t a specific antidote; recovery happens as the drug is metabolized and cleared from the body. With appropriate measures—protecting the airway if needed, close monitoring, fluids and electrolyte management, and treating complications—the symptoms commonly fade and patients return to baseline. Permanent damage like blindness is not expected in standard toxicity scenarios, so the overall prognosis is generally good. It’s not correct to think the outcome is dictated only by dose or that it’s unpredictable, because, with proper supportive care, most cases improve and recover.