ivermectin (oral)

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Pronunciation: EYE ver MEK tin

Brand: Stromectol

What is the most important information I should know about ivermectin?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is ivermectin?

Ivermectin is an anti-parasite medication.

Ivermectin is used to treat infections in the body that are caused by certain parasites.

Ivermectin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ivermectin?

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.

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.

Ivermectin should not be given to a child who weighs less than 33 pounds (15 kg).

How should I take ivermectin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take ivermectin on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Ivermectin is usually given as a single dose. Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

To effectively treat your infection, you may need to take ivermectin again several months to a year after your first dose.

If you have a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine), you may need to take more than one dose of ivermectin. Some people who have a weak immune system need to take this medicine on a regular basis. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To make sure this medicine is working, you may need to provide frequent stool samples.

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since ivermectin is usually given in a single dose, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking ivermectin?

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of ivermectin.

What are the possible side effects of ivermectin?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: 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.

Common side effects may include:

  • headache, muscle aches;
  • dizziness;
  • nausea, diarrhea; or
  • mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect ivermectin?

Other drugs may interact with ivermectin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ivermectin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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