Ivermectin (Systemic)

Brand Names : Stromectol, Mectizan

Proper Use of This Medicine

Ivermectin is best taken as a single dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water on an empty stomach (1 hour before breakfast), unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

To help clear up your infection, take this medicine exactly as directed . Your doctor may want you to take another dose every 3 to 12 months.

Your doctor may also prescribe a corticosteroid (a cortisone-like medicine) for certain patients with river blindness, especially those with severe symptoms. This is to help reduce the inflammation caused by the death of the worms. If your doctor prescribes these two medicines together, it is important to take the corticosteroid along with ivermectin. Take them exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing - The dose of ivermectin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of ivermectin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The time allowed between doses and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking ivermectin .

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For river blindness:
    • Adults and teenagers - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 150 micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) (68 mcg per pound) of body weight as a single dose. The treatment may be repeated every three to twelve months.
    • Children - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. For children weighing 15 kg (33 pounds) or more, the usual dose is 150 mcg per kg (68 mcg per pound) of body weight as a single dose. If necessary, the treatment may be repeated every three to twelve months. For children weighing less than 15 kg, use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For strongyloidiasis:
    • Adults and teenagers - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 200 micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) (91 mcg per pound) of body weight as a single dose. Additional doses usually are not needed.
    • Children - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. For children weighing 15 kg (33 pounds) or more, the usual dose is 200 mcg per kg (91 mcg per pound) of body weight as a single dose. For children weighing less than 15 kg, use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.