Overview
In the mid-1970s, it was found that Streptomyces avermitilis (a type of bacteria) treated mice infested with Nematospiroides dubius (intestinal roundworm attacking rodents). Isolation of Streptomyces avermitilis led to the discovery of ivermectin. Since then, ivermectin for humans has been used to treat roundworms and other parasitic nematodes.
Uses
This medication is used to treat certain parasitic roundworm infections. Curing parasitic infections helps to improve your quality of life. In people with weakened defense (immune) systems, curing roundworm infections can reduce the risk of developing a severe or life-threatening infection. Ivermectin belongs to a class of drugs known as anthelmintic. It works by paralyzing and killing parasites.Ivermectin is not recommended for coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19, unless you are enrolled in a study. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Guidelines for taking Ivermectin tablet
The patient is expected to follow all directions on the prescription label.
Ivermectin Tablets is not to be taken in either larger or smaller amounts or for a longer duration than prescribed.
Ivermectin may be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour earlier or 2 hours after a meal.
Usually, a single dose of ivermectin is prescribed, which is to be taken with a full glass of water.
Sometimes, the doctor may prescribe multiple frequencies of ivermectin therapy several months to a year after the first dose to effectively treat the infection, especially if the patient’s immune system is weak.
Frequent stool samples may be provided to assess the performance of ivermectin.
Store this medicine at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
In case of a missing dose on a therapeutic schedule, the missed dose must be taken as and when it was realised. If the patient remembers the missed dose almost to the next scheduled dose time, it should not be taken as it could account for an overdose. Extra medicine must never be taken to make up for the missed dose.
In case of an overdose, the doctor must be consulted at once for medical attention.
Alcoholism can potentiate specific side effects of ivermectin.
Compositions of Ivermectin
Composition - Ivermectin is a mixture of two types of avermectins:
90% 5-O-demethyl-22,23-dihydroavermectin A1a (22,23-dihydroavermectin B1a) and
10% 5-O-demethyl-25-de(1-methylpropyl)-22,23-dihydro-25-(1-methylethyl) avermectin A1a (22,23-dihydroavermectin B1b).
Ivermectin dosage for humans
Ivermectin dosage for adults patients
Adult dosing:
Strongyloidiasis - 0.2 mg/kg/dose given orally on an empty stomacher day.
Onchocerciasis - 0.15 mg/kg/dose given orally on an empty stomach per day. The dosage may be repeated in 3-12months.
Non-crusted scabies -0.2 mg/kg/dose given orally with food once every two weeks. It is provided as a 1st-line agent.
Crusted scabies - 0.2 mg/kg/dose given orally with food once a day on the 1st day, 2nd day, 8th day, 9th day and 15th day. It may be provided on days 22 and 29 for severe cases, with 5% permethrin topical cream
Head lice infestation (pediculosis capitis) -0.2 mg/kg/dose given orally with food twice every ten days
Head lice infestation (pediculosis corporis)-12 mg given orally with food thrice a week.
Head lice infestation (pediculosis pubis) - 0.25 mg/kg/dose given orally with food twice for 1-2 weeks.
Ivermectin dosage for adults patients
Paediatric dosing
Strongyloidiasis
15-24 kg - 3 mg given once orally on an empty stomach per day
25-35 kg- 6 mg given once orally on an empty stomach per day
36-50 kg - 9 mg given once orally on an empty stomach per day
51-65 kg - 12 mg given once orally on an empty stomach per day
66-79 kg - 15 mg given once orally on an empty stomach per day
>80 kg - 0.2 mg/kg/dose given once orally on an empty stomach per day
Onchocerciasis
15-25 kg - 3 mg given once orally on an empty stomach per day. The dosage may be repeated in 3-12 months.
26-44 kg - 6 mg given once orally on an empty stomach per day. The dosage may be repeated in 3-12 months.
45-64 kg - 9 mg given once orally on an empty stomach per day. The dosage may be repeated in 3-12 months.
65-84 kg - 12 mg given once orally on an empty stomach per day. The dosage may be repeated in 3-12 months.
>85 kg - 0.15 mg/kg/dose given once orally on an empty stomach per day. The dosage may be repeated in 3-12 months.
Non-crusted scabies
>15 kg - 0.2 mg/kg/dose given twice orally for two weeks with food. It is provided as a 1st-line agent.
Head lice infestation (pediculosis pubis)
In adolescents- 0.25 mg/kg/dose is given orally with food twice for 1 to 2 weeks.
The dosage adjustments for adult and paediatric dosing in renal or hepatic impairment are not defined in the manufacturer's labelling.
Side Effects
Headache, dizziness, muscle pain, nausea, or diarrhea may occur. If you are being treated for "river blindness" (onchocerciasis), you may experience reactions to the dying parasites during the first 4 days of treatment, including joint pain, tender/swollen lymph nodes, eye swelling/redness/pain, weakness, vision changes, itching, rash, and fever. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce dizziness upon standing, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: neck/back pain, swelling face/arms/hands/feet, chest pain, fast heartbeat, drowsiness, confusion, seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
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