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Ivermectin vs. Metronidazole

Ivermectin (Stromectol) is an antiparasitic medication. It's used to treat infections caused by certain parasites in the tropical areas. Ivermectin (Stromectol) is also sometimes prescribed off-label for treating scabies. Ivermectin (Stromectol) can be taken by adults and children weighing 15 kg and more. Depending on what infection you have, you might only need a single dose of ivermectin (Stromectol), or repeated treatments. Some common side effects of ivermectin (Stromectol) include stomach pain and nausea. Watch out for dizziness, itching, rash, and swelling, which can be symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.

• Treatment of a parasitic gut infection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis (Strongyloidiasis)
• Treatment of parasitic skin and eye infections caused by Onchocerca volvulus (Onchocerciasis, or river blindness)

Reported by people treated for strongyloidiasis

• Dizziness (3%)
• Itching (3%)
• Nausea (2%)
• Diarrhea (2%)

Reported by people treated for river blindness

• Itching (28%)
• Fever (23%)
• Skin swelling or rash (23%)
• Swollen lymph nodes (5-13%)
• Joint pain (9%)

• Severe allergic reaction (Mazzotti reaction)
• Brain and nervous system problems

Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an oral antibiotic for adults and children. It's used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including bacterial vaginosis (a type of vaginal bacteria infection) and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection, or STI). Metronidazole (Flagyl) is taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Some common side effects of this medication include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking and for 3 days after stopping metronidazole (Flagyl) because this combination can cause a serious reaction. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is available as a lower-cost generic.

Treatment of certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including:

• Trichomoniasis
• Amebiasis (parasitic gut infection)
• Serious bacterial infections, such as:
  • Abdominal infection (including peritonitis)
  • Skin infections
  • Gynecological infections (including endometritis)
  • Bloodstream infection (septicemia)
  • Bone and joint infections
  • Central nervous system infections (meningitis)
  • Lung infections (lower respiratory tract infections)
  • Heart infection (endocarditis)

Please note: These are common side effects reported by people who took extended-release metronidazole (Flagyl)

• Headache (18%)
• Inflammation of the vagina (15%)
• Nausea (10%)
• Metallic taste (9%)
• Flu-like symptoms (6%)

• Possible risk of cancer
• Serious allergic reactions
• Brain and nerve problems
• Liver and kidney problems
• Risk of fungal infection
• Risk of drug resistance
• Lower white blood cell counts
• Interaction with other medications