Ivermectin

Anthelmintic · Microfilaricidal

Indications

Treatment of the following infections: Strongyloidiasis of the intestinal tract due to the nematode parasite strongyloides stercoralis. Onchocerciasis due to the nematode parasite Onchocerca volvulus. Ivermectin is only active against the immature form of Onchocerca volvulus and the intestinal forms of Strongyloides stercoralis.

Dosage

Adults & Children: 15 kg or above body weight: Strongyloidiasis: 200 mcg/kg as a single dose; follow up stool examinations Onchocerciasis: 150 mcg/kg as a single dose; re-treatment may be required every 3-12 mth until the adult worms die.

Adverse Effects

Hypotension, mild ECG changes, peripheral and facial oedema, transient tachycardia. Dizziness, headache, hyperthermia, insomnia, somnolence, vertigo. Pruritus, rash, urticaria. Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting. Eosinophilia, leukopenia. ALT/AST increased. Limbitis, myalgia, tremor, weakness. Blurred vision, mild conjunctivitis, punctate opacity.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to ivermectin or any component of the formulation. Precautions: May cause cutaneous and/or systemic reactions(Mazzotti reaction) of varying severity including ophthalmological reactions in patients with onchocerciasis. Patients with hyper-reactive onchodermatitis may be more likely than others to experience severe adverse reactions, especially oedema and aggravation of the onchodermatitis. Repeated treatment may be required in immunocompromised patients (e.g. HIV); control of extra intestinal strongyloidiasis may necessitate suppressive (once monthly) therapy. Safety and efficacy in children below 15 kg body weight have not been established.

Advice to Patient

Take on an empty stomach.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: 18 hours. Time to peak, serum: Approx. 4 hours. Excretion: Feces; urine (<1%).

Brands with this active ingredient

• Everlite
• Imectin
• Iverlex
• Ivermec
• Ivermite
• Ivermite Topical
• Iverterm
• Mactovin
• Mectimite
• Mectis
• Scabi-Mect
• Scabimac
• Scamectol
• Stiver
• Vectin

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.