Abstract: Efficacy and safety of ivermectin in the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection: A randomized, double blind, placebo, controlled trial Anan Manomaipiboon Navamindradhiraj University Kitisak Pholtawornkulchai Navamindradhiraj University Sujaree Pupipatpab Navamindradhiraj University Swangjit Suraamornkul Navamindradhiraj University Jakravoot Maneerit Navamindradhiraj University Wiroj Ruksakul Navamindradhiraj University Uraporn Phumisantiphong Navamindradhiraj University Thananda Trakarnvanich (  thananda@hotmail.com ) Navamindradhiraj University Research Article Keywords: Efficacy, Ivermectin, COVID-19, Randomized-controlled trial, SARS-CoV-2, RT-PCR Posted Date: February 2nd, 2022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1290999/v1 License:   This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Read Full License Page 1/16 Abstract The emergent outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has emphasized the requirement for therapeutic opportunities to overcome this pandemic. Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug that has shown to be effective against various agents, including SARS-CoV-2, and is under extensive research in clinical trials. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial among adult hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, 72 patients (mean age 48.57 ± 14.80 years) were randomly assigned to either the ivermectin (n=36) or placebo (n=36) group, along with receiving standard care. The primary outcomes were a negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result at day 7 and 14 of enrolment. The secondary outcomes were duration of hospitalization, frequency of clinical worsening, survival on day 28, and adverse events. At day 7 and 14, a negative RT-PCR result was not significantly different between the two groups. The other secondary outcomes were reported to be comparable. However, the time to resolution of many symptoms were shorter in the ivermectin group, albeit not significantly. No adverse events were reported. In conclusion, early symptomatic recovery was observed with no side effects after treatment with ivermectin and standard care in mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients.