Mebendazole and Ivermectin for COVID-19: Comprehensive Evidence Synthesis Including Real-Time Meta-Analysis and Clinical Trials
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Abstract Background: Repurposed antiparasitic drugs ivermectin and mebendazole have been evaluated as therapeutic options for COVID-19 due to their antiviral and immunomodulatory potentials. Objectives: To synthesize the most recent, high-quality evidence on the efficacy and safety of ivermectin and mebendazole for COVID-19, including extensive real-time meta-analytic and controlled trial data. Methods: Narrative review integrating the July 2025 c19ivm.org meta-analysis (>220,000 patients), recent rigorous systematic reviews, observational data, and a phase II randomized placebo-controlled trial for mebendazole. Results: Ivermectin demonstrates significant reductions in mortality and severe outcomes in large, real-time meta-analyses—especially with prophylactic and early use, though recent systematic reviews raise questions about late-stage benefit. Mebendazole exhibits biological plausibility and early evidence for improved inflammation resolution and viral clearance, as shown in a...