Ivermectin

Generic name: Ivermectin

Drug class: Anthelmintics

Dosage form: Tablet, Topical Cream or Lotion, Ampoule

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: 3, 6, 12 mg

Mechanism of action: Ivermectin is an anti-parasite medication used to treat parasitic diseases. The antiviral activity of Ivermectin has been shown against a wide range of RNA and DNA viruses, for example, dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and others.

Drug usage cases: It is FDA approved for use in humans to treat a variety of parasitic infections including parasitic worms, hookworm and whipworm. Ivermectin may also be used as an effective treatment for a wide range of other conditions and as a treatment of onchocerciasis, intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis or river blindness.

Drug contra indications: You should not use ivermectin if you are allergic to it. To make sure ivermectin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

liver or kidney disease; or cancer, HIV or AIDS, or other conditions that can weaken your immune system.

 Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to ivermectin: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have:

eye pain or redness, puffy eyes, problems with your vision severe skin rash, itching, or rash with pus; confusion, change in your mental status, balance problems, trouble walking, fever, swollen glands, stomach pain, joint pain, swelling in your hands or feet, fast heart rate, trouble breathing,

loss of bladder or bowel control, neck or back pain, seizure (convulsions); or a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Warnings: You will need to have a stool exam after taking ivermectin to make sure the infection is gone. Some patients may need to take another dose of ivermectin to treat the infection.

Ivermectin may make you feel dizzy. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: It is not known whether ivermectin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Ivermectin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.