The Ziverdo Kit is a combination therapy pack that contains three medicines:

• Zinc acetate

• Doxycycline (an antibiotic)

• Ivermectin (an antiparasitic drug)

It was widely promoted during the COVID-19 pandemic in some countries as a supportive treatment, although its role in COVID-19 remains unproven and controversial. Outside COVID-19, its components are used for various infections and deficiencies.

Mechanism of Action

• Zinc acetate → supports immune function and helps in healing.

• Doxycycline → is a tetracycline antibiotic that blocks bacterial protein synthesis, stopping bacterial growth.

• Ivermectin → is an antiparasitic drug that works by paralyzing and killing parasites; it also has some antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity in lab studies.

  Uses

  • Originally used for parasitic infections (ivermectin), bacterial infections (doxycycline), and zinc deficiency.

  • In some regions, prescribed as a COVID-19 supportive treatment, though not officially recommended by major health authorities (like WHO, FDA, ICMR).

  • May also be prescribed in other mixed infections where these components are useful.

    Adverse Effects

    • Zinc acetate: nausea, stomach upset, metallic taste.

    • Doxycycline: stomach upset, diarrhea, sun sensitivity, risk of esophagitis if not taken with water.

    • Ivermectin: dizziness, diarrhea, itching, rarely liver issues or neurological effects.

    • Combination may increase gastrointestinal side effects.