Executive view
Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication sold under brand names such as Stromectol and as generic products. It is used to treat certain worm infections in humans and is not an antibiotic. In the United States, approved uses include intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis. Health professionals may sometimes prescribe ivermectin for other parasitic conditions when supported by clinical judgment and steady guidance.
Pharmacologically active ingredient - ivermectin. Therapy class - anthelmintic. For details on available tablet strengths and presentations, see the section Patterns and Abilities.
Modes and strengths
The most common formulation for people in the U.S. is an oral tablet. Products and labeled strengths differ by manufacturer and region.
- Oral tablets, typically 3 mg (widely available in the United States)
- Oral tablets in 6 mg and 12 mg strengths (found in some generics or international supplies)
Dose selection is usually based on body weight paired with the infection being treated. Courses can be a single dose or multiple doses at intervals determined by the prescriber. Seek expert input the prescriber for exact instructions and see How to Administer to get practical tips.
Precautionary measures and screening before treatment
Before you kick off ivermectin, tell your prescriber about any of the following:
- Previous severe allergic reactions or a known allergy to ivermectin
- Liver disease or abnormal liver test results
- Significant pulmonary disease such as severe asthma
- Pregnancy, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
- All medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements you use
The next generation require a pediatric assessment because age and weight limits may apply. If you are unsure about suitability or dosing, discuss eligibility with your clinician present. For the process of interaction concerns, refer to Advisories on Drug Interaction Assessments.
How to administer ivermectin
- Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
- It is often recommended to take ivermectin on an empty stomach - at least 30 minutes before eating or at least 2 hours after a meal - unless advised differently by your clinician.
- If more than one dose is prescribed, try to take each dose at the same time of day to maintain consistency.
- Do not take more frequently or in larger amounts than prescribed. Complete the course unless your prescriber instructs you to stop.
If you do not take a dose, notify your doctor. What to Do If you miss one dose. If an fatal overdose is suspected, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or navigate toward the nearest emergency department immediately.
Dose not administered tips and steps
If you forget a medication dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, skip the forgot to take my dose and continue with the regular regimen. Do not take two separate doses at once to replace a forgot to take my dose.
Caution about drug communication in action warning possibilities
Medicines and substances that affect liver enzymes or drug transporters can modify ivermectin levels in the body. Examples include:
- Strong CYP3A4 or P-glycoprotein inhibitors such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and cyclosporine
- Certain cardiac and blood-pressure drugs that interact with CYP3A4 or P-gp
- Warfarin and similar anticoagulants are used for stroke prevention. - concurrent use may require closer INR continuous oversight
- Herbal remedies and supplements that influence liver enzymes or P-gp activity
This listing does not claim to be exhaustive. Provide your prescriber and pharmacist a complete list of all medications, supplements, and recreational substances. For additional safety checks, revisit Pre-Treatment Readiness and Protective actions.
Follow-up, monitoring in real time, and steps to prevent reinfection
Your clinician may request follow-up visits or laboratory tests to confirm that the infection has cleared and to decide if retreatment is necessary. Report persistent or worsening symptoms promptly.
To reduce transmission and lower the chance of getting infected again:
- Wash hands often and clean under fingernails.
- Shower regularly and wash underwear and bed linen during treatment.
- Clean and disinfect toilets and frequently touched surfaces.
- Follow any household or environmental measures recommended for your specific diagnosis.
For information on expected unwelcome incidental outcomes, see Unwanted Reactions.
Unpleasant effects
Urgency or gravity signs - seek immediate care
- Severe allergic responses such as widespread rash, hives, facial or tongue swelling
- Trouble breathing or chest pain
- Sudden or marked vision changes, eye pain, or eye redness
- A rapid and irregular heartbeat
- Severe dizziness, fainting, or confusion
- High fever or severe blistering skin reactions
- Seizure-like episodes or abrupt loss of bladder or bowel control
Effects that are common, mild - generally temporary
- Nausea or being sick
- Frequent diarrhea or infrequent bowel movements
- Cranial pain
- Stomach discomfort or abdominal pain
- Appetite decreases
- Muscle or joint pain
- Tremor
- Lymph nodes that are enlarged and tender to touch
Tell your health care team about any persistent or worrying symptoms. For emergency signs listed above, obtain urgent medical attention.
Guidelines for storing and disposing
- Keep medications out of reach of children.
- Store at room temperature, below 30 C (86 F), away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Retain tablets in their original labeled container whenever possible.
- Do not use after the date indicated as expiration. Dispose of unused medication safely - check local pharmacy take-back programs or follow community disposal recommendations.
Approximate retail prices in USD
The following are general pricing approach scale in the United States for reference; actual costs depend on the pharmacy, location, insurance, coupons, paired with the supply purchased.
- Ivermectin tablets, generic 3 mg - commonly about $1 to $6 per tablet with discount programs; a pack of 12 to 20 tablets may run approximately $15 to $80 out of pocket.
- Albendazole, generic 200 mg - often expensive without insurance; short courses can range from about $150 to $600 or more.
- Mebendazole, 100 mg - prices vary widely; a treatment course might fall in the $100 to $400 range.
- Moxidectin tablets - out-of-pocket costs can be several hundred dollars, for example roughly $200 to $400 or higher, depending on supply and pharmacy.
- Permethrin 5 percent cream - typical retail price for a 60 g tube is about $15 to $60, with generics and coupons sometimes reducing cost.
Your actual expense will depend on insurance coverage, the pharmacy chosen, manufacturer assistance programs, and other discounts.
Legal purchase rules and regulatory remarks in the United States
- Prescription requirement - Human ivermectin tablets, including Stromectol and generics, are prescription-only in the United States. A valid prescription from a licensed U.S. prescriber is required for dispensing.
- Sanctioned uses - The FDA has approved ivermectin for onchocerciasis and intestinal strongyloidiasis; clinicians may write off-label prescriptions for other parasitic diseases when appropriate.
- Veterinary products - Animal formulations are not approved for human use and should not be taken by people because of different concentrations and inactive ingredients.
- Telehealth and e-prescribing - After an appropriate clinical evaluation, many prescribers can send electronic prescriptions to licensed pharmacy outlets.
- Importation - Bringing foreign versions of a drug into the United States is generally restricted if a U.S.-approved equivalent exists. The FDA may exercise limited discretion in rare, documented cases, but routine importation is not allowed when an approved U.S. product is available.
- Labeling and safe use - Keep medicines in labeled containers, follow prescriber and pharmacy instructions, and store them as directed.
For instructions on what is the best way to take ivermectin?a review How to Administer. If you experience lingering effects, see Possible Adverse Reactions and contact your health care provider.
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