Generic
Ivermectin
25 brands available in the market
At a glance
Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication used for the treatment of strongyloidiasis, onchocerciasis, filariasis, scabies, and head lice.
Description
Ivermectin selectively binds with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels, which occur in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, leading to an increase in cell membrane permeability to chloride ions with hyperpolarization of the nerve or muscle cell and, ultimately, death of the parasite. It is used for strongyloidiasis, onchocerciasis, filariasis, scabies, and head lice.
Indications
- Strongyloidiasis (intestinal)
- Onchocerciasis
- Filariasis
- Scabies
- Head lice
Therapeutic class
Anthelmintic
Pharmacological class
Antiparasitic (Avermectin)
Pharmacology
Ivermectin selectively binds with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels, which occur in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells. This leads to an increase in the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions with hyperpolarization of the nerve or muscle cell and, ultimately, death of the parasite. Compounds of this class may also interact with other ligand-gated chloride channels.
Mechanism of action
Binds to chloride channels in parasite nerve and muscle cells to cause hyperpolarization, leading to paralysis and death of the parasite.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Strongyloidiasis: 200 mcg/kg (single dose) on empty stomach
- Onchocerciasis: 150 mcg/kg (single dose) on empty stomach; usually 12-month intervals
- Scabies/Head Lice: 200 mcg/kg (single dose), repeat after 1 week
Child Dose: Safety and efficacy not established in patients weighing less than 15 kg
Administration
Take on empty stomach with water; swallow whole tablet; do not chew, crush or break; follow the dose and duration as advised by your doctor.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, please consult your doctor.
Side effects
Strongyloidiasis:
- Asthenia/fatigue (0.9%)
- Abdominal pain (0.9%)
- Anorexia (0.9%)
- Constipation (0.9%)
- Diarrhea (1.8%)
- Nausea (1.8%)
- Vomiting (0.9%)
- Dizziness (2.8%)
- Somnolence (0.9%)
- Vertigo (0.9%)
- Tremor (0.9%)
- Pruritus (2.8%)
- Rash (0.9%)
- Urticaria (0.9%)
Onchocerciasis: Arthralgia/synovitis (19.3%), lymph node enlargement and tenderness, pruritus (27.5%), fever (22.6%), abnormal eye sensation, eyelid edema, uveitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis
Precautions & warnings
Precautions:
- Ivermectin does not usually affect your ability to drive
- Patients with onchocerciasis may experience Mazzotti reactions (cutaneous and systemic reactions)
- Risk of serious or fatal encephalopathy with Loa loa co-infection
- Caution in pregnancy and lactation
Contraindications
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to any component
Drug interactions
Drug Interactions:
- Rare reports of increased INR when co-administered with warfarin
Food interactions
Food Interactions: It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Ivermectin.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Category C; safety not established; not selectively fetotoxic in animal studies; use only if clearly needed.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; excreted in human milk in low concentrations; treatment should only be undertaken when risk of delayed treatment outweighs possible risk to newborn.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients weighing less than 15 kg.
Geriatric use
Clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Limited information available; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Limited information available; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Overdose: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, ataxia, seizures, coma; symptomatic supportive treatment; gastric lavage.
Storage conditions
Store in a dry place, below 30°C; protect from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Ivermectin