Overview
What is Ivermectin
Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic medication. It is used to combat parasitic diseases and comes in oral tablets, cream, and lotion. Stromectol is the brand name available for oral tablets.
Also, it is known as a generic drug meaning the medication created to be the same as an already marketed drug in dosage form, safety, performance characteristics, route of administration, strength, quality, and intended use. Parasitic infections found in the intestinal tract, skin, and eyes are taken care of by using Ivermectin orally for the intestinal tract, cream, and lotion for the skin and eyes.
How it works
Ivermectin orally works to bind to the parts in the parasites, disarms, and kills off the parasite, thereby preventing the matured parasites from producing or replicating themselves. These cycles take care of the infection found in any affected region.
Administration and Dosage
Before using the medication, it is expected you must have communicated to your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. It helps for the proper amount of intake and how often you take the drug, which is dependent on the following:
- Age
- Other medical conditions
- How severe the disease is
- The condition being treated
- What is the reaction to the first dose
The oral tablet has a strength of 3mg, and for adults, the typical dosage is 200 mcg/kg of body weight. Most of these adults won’t need more than one dose. In the cause of medication, the patient’s weight is taken into consideration. For children who weigh less than 15kg (33 pounds), it may not be safe and effective for them to use, so endeavour to speak with the doctor to ascertain the usage of the drug for children within that weight bracket. During pregnancy, research shows that Ivermectin has adverse effects on the fetus of animals when the mother takes it in the drug, and there haven’t been enough studies to show its impact on humans. The drugs should be used only if the potential risk is less than the benefits it provides, so do well to talk with the doctor if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. Ivermectin passes through the breast milk for nursing mothers and may cause side effects for the child. So you may need to stop breastfeeding or stop taking the medication for the child’s safety. Before using any drug, it is advised to do well to speak with your doctor to avoid complications that may be devastating.
The treatment for skin or eye requires a typical 150 mcg/kg for adults are taken as one dose. A similar amount is for children who weigh 33 pounds (15kg) or more, though most won’t need this dose more than once. Like we have in the case of the oral intake of Ivermectin. Children weighing less than 33 pounds (15kg) may incur complications.
Drug prescription
The oral medication of Ivermectin is for the short term, and it comes with serious complications when the prescription is not duly followed. The tendency for the parasitic infection to continue when the patient suddenly stops taking the drug or doesn’t take it at all is high. More so, if you take too much, a dangerous level of the drugs is present in the body, and that may lead to symptoms which include:
- Swelling
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Loss of energy or weakness
- Paresthesia (tingling or numb feeling)
- Seizures
- Inability to control body movements
- Stomach pain
The moment you notice you have taken the drugs more than is expected, contact your doctor. Over time if the drug is working, the symptoms should improve, and the further test is carried out to ascertain the potency and efficacy.
When taking the drugs, keep the following consideration in mind:
- The drug should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water
- Taking the drugs at the time recommended by the doctor
- The drugs can be crushed or cut.
Drug storage
Proper drug storage is crucial as the patient’s life depends on it. In addition, the quality of the drug influences its efficacy when administered. Ivermectin should be at room temperature below 86°F (30°C). The drugs should not be kept in moist or damp areas but should be marked appropriately in their container. In the cause of traveling, endeavour to not leave the drug inside the compartment of the car where it is too hot or cold. Always carry the original prescription labeled along with you to ensure proper keeping.
Recommendations
If you miss a dose, ensure to take it as soon as you remember. The moment it is near the time of the next dose, you can skip the missed dose and continue the next dose at that time interval. Taking double dosage to catch up may lead to complications. Ensure to talk with your doctor to discuss what drug option works best for you as there are other alternatives to treat your condition, and knowing the one that works best for you is paramount.
