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Ivermectin

Ivermectin is an anthelmintic medicine in the avermectin class, taken by mouth for certain parasitic worm infections and for scabies. It is supplied as a tablet in three strengths. The medicine acts on the parasite’s nerve and muscle cells.

Medicine containing Ivermectin

Stromectol

Strongyloidiasis, Scabies, Onchocerciasis

3 · 6 · 12mg

Ivermectin is the active ingredient in Stromectol, a tablet for strongyloidiasis, scabies and onchocerciasis. You can compare the price per tablet across options.

FromUS$1.44/ tabletView

Key points

  • Ivermectin is derived from avermectins isolated from fermentation of Streptomyces avermitilis.
  • The plasma half-life of ivermectin is about 12 hours, while its metabolites remain in the body for about 3 days.
  • Headache and myalgia related to the medicine have been reported in fewer than 1% of patients, at 0.2% and 0.4% respectively.

What ivermectin is used for

Ivermectin treats intestinal, nondisseminated strongyloidiasis, caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. It is also used for scabies and onchocerciasis. Each condition involves a parasite, and treatment aims to clear it. Ivermectin belongs to the antiparasitics group.

How it works

Ivermectin binds selectively and with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells. Binding raises the cell membrane’s permeability to chloride ions. This hyperpolarises the nerve or muscle cell, paralysing the parasite and causing its death.

Forms and brands

Stromectol tablets contain ivermectin and come in 3 mg, 6 mg and 12 mg strengths. Pharmacy partners in India ship to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Safety

Do not take ivermectin if you are hypersensitive to any component of the product, the active substance or any excipient. Monitor for allergic reactions.

Nausea and abdominal ache are minor effects. Dizziness and rash have also been reported. Anaphylaxis and toxic epidermal necrolysis are serious reactions that require immediate medical attention.

Ivermectin interacts with warfarin. Ivermectin is generally avoided in pregnancy, and because it is excreted in breast milk, it should be avoided during breastfeeding. Dosing is weight-based.

What the sources say

  • An in vitro study using human liver microsomes suggests that cytochrome P4503A4 is the main enzyme for ivermectin metabolism in the liver (Ivermectin 3mg tablets).
  • In immunocompromised patients treated for intestinal strongyloidiasis, adequate clinical studies have not established efficacy or the treatment regimen, and continuing infestation has been reported (Ivermectin 3mg tablets).
  • Neurological toxicity, including a depressed level of consciousness and coma, has been reported with ivermectin even without Loa loa infection; these events generally resolved with supportive care and stopping the medicine (Ivermectin 3mg tablets).

Further reading

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