ivermectin
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.
What is Ivermectin (Stromectol)?
What is Ivermectin (Stromectol) used for?
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)
How Ivermectin (Stromectol) works
Ivermectin (Stromectol) is an antiparasitic medication. Ivermectin (Stromectol) affects the nerve and muscle cells of parasites, which kills or causes the parasites to become paralyzed.
Drug Facts
More on Ivermectin (Stromectol) essentials
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What are the side effects of Ivermectin (Stromectol)?
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness (3%)
- Itching (3%)
- Nausea (2%)
- Diarrhea (2%)
- Itching (28%)
- Fever (23%)
- Skin swelling or rash (23%)
- Swollen lymph nodes (5-13%)
- Joint pain (9%)
Other Side Effects
- Feeling tired
- Feeling weak
- Spinning sensation
- Tremor
- Belly pain
- Constipation
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects
- Severe allergic reactions (Mazzotti reactions): rash, swelling, raised skin, pus-filled bumps
- Brain or nervous system problems: drowsiness, confusion, coma, lack of attention to people and surroundings, fainting
Source:Â DailyMed
More on Ivermectin (Stromectol) side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common—for the treatment of river blindness (onchocerciasis) only
Eye or eyelid irritation, pain, redness, or swelling
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common—for the treatment of river blindness (onchocerciasis) only
joint or muscle pain
painful and tender glands in neck, armpits, or groin
rapid heartbeat
Less common—for the treatment of river blindness (onchocerciasis) only
Headache
swelling of the face, hands, arms, feet, or legs
Rare—for the treatment of river blindness (onchocerciasis) only
Lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
Rare—for the treatment of strongyloidiasis only
Loss of appetite
shaking or trembling
sleepiness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Ivermectin (Stromectol)
Pros
Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Only requires one dose of treatment for strongyloidiasis
Treatment of choice for river blindness
Cons
Requires repeated stool tests to make sure your stomach infection is completely cleared
Must be taken on an empty stomach
Not a safe choice during pregnancy
Pharmacist tips for Ivermectin (Stromectol)
It's important to take ivermectin (Stromectol) on an empty stomach with water, unless otherwise instructed by your prescriber. Taking this medication with food can affect how well it works.
If you're taking ivermectin (Stromectol) to treat strongyloidiasis, your provider will ask you to provide several stool samples after treatment. This helps them check whether your infection is completely gone.
If you're taking ivermectin (Stromectol) to treat river blindness, you might need to take a dose every 3 to 12 months. This is because ivermectin (Stromectol) doesn't kill the adult worms that cause river blindness, only the immature worms. As a result, you might need to take this medication until all the adult worms die.
People who take ivermectin (Stromectol) to treat river blindness might experience a severe allergic reaction called Mazzotti reaction. Let your PCP know if you have rash, dizziness, swelling, raised skin, pus-filled bumps, joint pain, or swollen and tender lymph nodes.
Ivermectin (Stromectol) can interact with warfarin (Coumadin), a blood thinner. Let your PCP know if you're taking warfarin (Coumadin) before taking ivermectin (Stromectol). Your PCP might need to monitor your international normalized ratio (INR) through blood tests to make sure your dose of warfarin (Coumadin) is still appropriate.
If you have a weak immune system or you're taking medications that lower your immune system, you might need to take repeated courses of ivermectin (Stromectol) to treat strongyloidiasis. In some cases, you might need to take this medication regularly (e.g., biweekly or monthly) to prevent future infections.
Ivermectin (Stromectol) might not be safe for pregnant mothers. Animal studies suggest that it can cause birth defects, such as cleft palate. If you're pregnant, talk to your gynecologist about safer alternatives for your condition.
Frequently asked questions about Ivermectin (Stromectol)
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What are the risks and warnings for Ivermectin (Stromectol)?
Ivermectin (Stromectol) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe allergic reaction (Mazzotti reaction)
Risk factor: Treatment of river blindness
Very rarely, people who take ivermectin (Stromectol) to treat river blindness might experience a severe allergic reaction called Mazzotti reaction. This is your body's immune system responding to the death of parasitic worms. If not treated, this reaction can be life-threatening. Get medical attention right away if you experience rash, fever, joint pain, stomach upset, and swollen lymph nodes.
Brain and nervous system problems
Risk factor: River blindness with African eye worm infection
Rarely, people who are taking ivermectin (Stromectol) might experience nerve- or brain-related problems, such as severe sleepiness, confusion, or even coma. Get medical attention right away if you feel any of these side effects. Usually, the symptoms go away after you stop ivermectin (Stromectol). But if left untreated, these problems can become life-threatening.
Ivermectin (Stromectol) dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3mg | 10 tablets | $57.10 | $5.71 |
Typical dosing for Ivermectin (Stromectol)
Your healthcare professional (HCP) will determine your dose of ivermectin (Stromectol) based on your body weight.
Strongyloidiasis (people weighing 15 kg and up): The typical dose is 200 mcg/kg of weight by mouth for one dose only. Depending on your condition, your healthcare team might ask you to take this medication for 1 to 2 days.
Onchocerciasis (people weighing 15 kg and up): The typical dose is 150 mcg/kg of weight by mouth for one dose only. The dose is usually repeated yearly, but can be repeated as often as every 3 months if needed.
Interactions between Ivermectin (Stromectol) and other drugs
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
How much does Ivermectin (Stromectol) cost?
What is the latest news about Ivermectin (Stromectol)?
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References
Best studies we foundCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Strongyloidiasis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Clinical care of scabies.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About onchocerciasis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Clinical care of strongyloides.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Clinical treatment of onchocerciasis.
Edenbridge Pharmaceuticals LLC. (2023). Ivermectin tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
Ikeda T. (2003). [Pharmacological effects of ivermectin, an antiparasitic agent for intestinal strongyloidiasis: its mode of action and clinical efficacy]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi.
Korbmacher, F., et al. (2018). Mansonella perstans, Onchocerca volvulus and Strongyloides stercoralis infections in rural populations in central and southern Togo. Parasite Epidemiology and Control.
Martin, D. (2023). Scabies. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. (2023). Stromectol- ivermectin tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
Olson, B. D., et al. (2006). Mazzotti reaction after presumptive treatment for schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis in a Liberian refugee. The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.
Ottesen, E. A. (1987). Description, mechanisms and control of reactions to treatment in the human filariases. Ciba Foundation Symposium.
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