Stromectol (ivermectin) is a medication that is used to treat parasitic roundworm infections in some people. Curing parasitic diseases contributes to an improvement in your overall quality of life. It is possible that treating roundworm infections might lessen the chance of having a serious or life-threatening illness in persons who have impaired defense (immune) systems. Ivermectin is a medication that belongs to a family of medications known as anthelmintics. Its mechanism of action is to paralyze and destroy parasites.
Indications and Usage
Stromectol is a medication that is used to treat river blindness (onchocerciasis) and threadworm infections of the gastrointestinal tract (intestinal strongyloidiasis). Worm infections are the source of these symptoms. Onchocerciasis is a worm illness that affects the skin, glands (lymph nodes), and eyes, among other organs. Skin changes that may occur include an itchy rash, pale or dark spots, nodules (small lumps beneath the skin), thickening of the skin, and/or loss of suppleness, among other things. A bacterial infection can create swollen glands in the neck, armpits, and groin, among other places. The infection can also damage the eye, resulting in conjunctivitis, a gritty or sore eye, and even blindness if not treated promptly. The worm infection mostly affects the intestines and skin when it manifests itself as strongyloidiasis, which can be treated with Stromectol. There may be an itchy rash, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort associated with this condition. Stromectol acts by destroying the worms that are in the process of developing. Stromectol is also used to treat scabies, which are caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite and are spread through the skin.
Dosage and Administration
Your doctor will advise you on the number of pills you should take each day. The dose is determined by the severity of your infection as well as your weight or height. The dosage is commonly one tablet to five pills administered as a single dose, with one tablet being the most common. It is possible that you will need to take another treatment in 6 to 12 months for river blindness. Your doctor will determine if you have normal scabies or crusted scabies and what therapy is most appropriate for you. The most frequent course of therapy consists of two doses administered eight to fifteen days apart. In the treatment of scabies, Stromectol can be used alone or in conjunction with other medications.
Some people may need to take more than one dosage of ivermectin if they have a weakened immune system (which can be caused by sickness or by taking certain medications). Some patients, particularly those with a weakened immune system, must take this medication on a daily basis. Follow the recommendations of your doctor.
Warnings and Precautions
Patients with onchocerciasis have experienced cutaneous and/or systemic reactions of varying severity (the Mazzotti reaction), as well as ophthalmological reactions, in the past. Microfilaricidal drugs, such as diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC-C), have been shown to cause cutaneous and/or systemic reactions of varying severity (the Mazzotti reaction). These reactions are most likely the result of allergic and inflammatory responses to the demise of microfilariae, according to the evidence. Patients using Stromectol (ivermectin) for the treatment of onchocerciasis may encounter these responses in addition to clinical adverse events that are maybe, probably, or definitely connected to the drug’s active ingredient.
There have been no controlled clinical trials conducted on the treatment of severe Mazzotti responses. Postural hypotension has been successfully treated with oral hydration, recumbency, intravenous normal saline, and/or parenteral corticosteroids in some cases. The majority of mild to severe instances have been treated with antihistamines and/or aspirin.
Patients with hyperreactive onchodermatitis (sowda) may be more susceptible than other patients to severe adverse responses following therapy with microfilaricidal medications, particularly edema and worsening of onchodermatitis, following treatment with microfilaricidal agents.
A significant or even deadly encephalopathy can occur in individuals with onchocerciasis who are also highly infected with the parasite Loa loa in rare cases. This can occur spontaneously or as a result of therapy with an efficient microfilaricide. Discomfort (including neck and back pain), red eyes, conjunctival bleeding, dyspnea, urine and/or fecal incontinence, trouble standing or walking, mental status changes, including confusion, lethargy, stupor, seizures, or coma, have also been documented in these individuals receiving this treatment. This condition has only been observed in extremely rare instances following the use of ivermectin. Individuals who require therapy with ivermectin for any reason and who have had extensive exposure to Loa loa-endemic areas of West or Central Africa should have their loiasis assessed prior to treatment and should be closely monitored after treatment.
Contraindications
Ivermectin (Stomectol) is contraindicated in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in this medicine.
Conclusion
After taking ivermectin, you will need to have a stool exam to ensure that the infection has been eliminated. Some individuals may require an additional dosage of ivermectin to effectively treat their illness. You may experience dizziness when using ivermectin. If you have been sitting or laying down for a long period of time, carefully rise from your seat or lying down position to reduce the likelihood of feeling dizzy or passing out. Take care when climbing and descending stairwells.