Stromectol (Ivermectin)

Stromectol (Ivermectin) Medication Information:

What is Stromectol?

Stromectol is a prescription medicine used to treat parasitic infections caused by roundworms. It belongs to a class of antiparasitic drugs called anthelmintics. It contains the active ingredient ivermectin which binds to the nerve and muscle cells of parasites. It then causes paralysis and the death of parasites.

Uses and Benefits of Stromectol:

Stromectol is used to treat the following parasitic infections:

• Intestinal Strongyloidiasis: This infection is caused by a soil-dwelling roundworm called Strongyloides Stercoralis. The worms penetrate human skin as it come in contact with contaminated soil. They then migrate to the lungs and intestine. They cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, cough, vomiting, weight loss, hives, and rash.
• Onchocerciasis or River Blindness: This disease is caused by the parasitic worm called Onchocerca volvulus and spread by repeated bites of blackflies. It causes symptoms such as skin rashes, itching, bumps under the skin, eye infections, vision changes, and blindness.

Side Effects of Stromectol:

Patients taking Stromectol may experience some common side effects, including:

• Weakness
• Headache
• Muscle and Joint pain
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Constipation.
• Nausea and Vomiting.
• skin Rash and Itching.

Stromectol may cause adverse side effects in some rare cases, including:

• Low blood pressure, dizziness, vertigo.
• Confusion, balance problems, difficulty standing or walking.
• Seizures
• Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.
• Eye pain, redness, vision problems.
• Fever
• Worsening of bronchial asthma.

How to take Stromectol?

• The dose of the medicine depends on the weight and condition of the patients. Take the Stromectol tablet orally with a glass of water on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before a meal.
• Patients should take their medicines at the same time every day for maximum benefits. Contact your doctor immediately or go to your nearest hospital if you have taken too much Stromectol.

Stromectol Drug Interactions:

Before starting a new treatment, tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including:

• Diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC).
• Warfarin
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital.
• Benzodiazepines such as clonazepam.
• Sodium Oxybate.
• Drugs for epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraine.
• Headaches

Safety Information:

• Do not take Stromectol if you are allergic to Ivermectin or any other ingredients of the medicine.
• The safety and effectiveness of the medicine in patients weighing less than 15 kg are not known.
• Tell your doctor if you have had any medical conditions such as liver problems, and Loiasis (African eye worm).
• Discuss with your doctor about the safety and risk of Stromectol if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Patients with weakened immune systems and intestinal strongyloidiasis may require repeated courses of therapy.
• Stromectol is not effective against adult Onchocerca parasites.
• Therefore patients may require repeated follow-up and retreatment. Sometimes doctors may recommend surgical excision of skin nodules to remove adult parasites.
• Do not drive or use heavy machines just after taking Stromectol as the medicine may make you dizzy.

References:

• https://www.rxlist.com/stromectol-drug.htm#description
• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1164/stromectol-oral/details
• https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/s/stromectol.pdf