The head lice drug ivermectin has yet again been touted in the media as a possible treatment for COVID-19.

But despite the favourable headlines, huge uncertainty remains about whether this treatment can be safely and effectively repurposed to tackle coronavirus.

In recent weeks the media has been awash with claims ivermectin, when given in combination with the common antibiotic doxycycline and zinc supplements, is effectively a ‘cure’ for COVID-19.

Yet there has been no definitive clinical trial so far showing this is the case. All we have are observational studies and clinicians’ opinions.