Ivermectin 3mg Tablets

Ivermectin binds selectively and with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels which occur in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells. This binding leads to an increase in the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions, resulting in hyperpolarization of the nerve or muscle cell, and ultimately paralysis and death of the parasite. Ivermectin does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier in mammals, limiting its effects on mammalian glutamate-gated chloride channels.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Severe dizziness or fainting
Changes in vision, eye pain, or severe eye irritation
Joint pain
Swelling
Fever
Swollen glands
Nervous system problems, which can lead to coma or death. Seek immediate medical attention if you feel:
+ Extremely sleepy
+ Sluggish
+ Confused
+ Disoriented
A rare but potentially life-threatening brain problem can occur in patients with a Loa loa infection, typically acquired in West Africa or Central Africa. If you have traveled to these regions, inform your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
+ Neck pain
+ Back pain
+ Red eyes
+ Eye bleeding
+ Shortness of breath
+ Seizures
+ Difficulty walking or standing
+ Confusion
+ Extreme fatigue or weakness
+ Loss of bladder or bowel control

Other Possible Side Effects

Most people do not experience significant side effects, but some may occur. If you are bothered by any of the following side effects or if they persist, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:

Itching
* Skin irritation

This is not an exhaustive list of potential side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.

To ensure safe use, carefully review all your medications and health issues with your doctor and pharmacist. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. After completing the treatment, you will need to undergo a stool examination to confirm that the infection has been successfully eliminated. In some cases, your doctor may recommend an additional dose of this medication to ensure the infection is fully treated, so be sure to discuss this with your doctor.

To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, it is crucial to stand up slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying down position. Additionally, exercise caution when climbing up or down stairs.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, it is vital to consult with your doctor. You and your doctor will need to weigh the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.

• Warfarin (potential for increased INR/bleeding risk, though evidence is limited and conflicting)
• CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, barbiturates, alcohol) - theoretical risk of additive CNS depression, especially if blood-brain barrier is compromised.

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, grapefruit juice) - may increase ivermectin plasma concentrations.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, St. John's Wort) - may decrease ivermectin plasma concentrations.

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Skin rash
• Pruritus
• Fever
• Myalgia
• Arthralgia
• Lymphadenopathy (especially in onchocerciasis, indicative of Mazzotti reaction)

Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies have shown teratogenicity at high doses. Limited human data suggest no increased risk of major birth defects, but data are insufficient to rule out risk.

Ivermectin is excreted in human milk in low concentrations. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers it compatible with breastfeeding. However, caution is advised, and the infant should be monitored for potential adverse effects.

Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients weighing less than 15 kg or under 2 years of age. Dosing for children ≥15 kg is weight-based. Close monitoring for adverse effects is important.

No specific dose adjustment is generally required based on age alone. However, elderly patients may have reduced hepatic or renal function, or concomitant diseases, which could affect drug clearance. Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

• Ivermectin is highly effective against a range of parasitic infections, particularly strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis.
• For strongyloidiasis, follow-up stool examinations are crucial to confirm eradication, as a single dose may not always be curative.
• In onchocerciasis, Ivermectin does not kill adult worms but effectively reduces microfilarial load, preventing disease progression and transmission. Retreatment is often necessary.
• The Mazzotti reaction (fever, headache, dizziness, rash, pruritus, arthralgia, myalgia, lymphadenopathy, hypotension) can occur in patients with onchocerciasis due to the death of microfilariae; it is usually mild and self-limiting but can be severe.
• Ivermectin is generally well-tolerated, with most adverse effects being mild and transient.
• While often taken on an empty stomach, some sources suggest taking it with food to improve absorption and reduce GI upset. Follow specific instructions from the prescribing physician or package insert.
• Not effective against adult worms of Onchocerca volvulus or against the adult stages of other filarial parasites.

• Albendazole (for strongyloidiasis, hookworm, ascariasis, trichuriasis)
• Mebendazole (for hookworm, ascariasis, trichuriasis, pinworm)
• Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) (for onchocerciasis, loiasis, lymphatic filariasis - note: DEC is contraindicated in onchocerciasis due to severe Mazzotti reaction)
• Thiabendazole (for strongyloidiasis, cutaneous larva migrans)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.