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Stromectol

Generic name: ivermectin (oral) [ EYE-ver-MEK-tin ]
Drug class: Anthelmintics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 3, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Stromectol?

Stromectol is an anti-parasite medication.

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

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

Stromectol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stromectol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Stromectol may include:

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.

Stromectol side effects (more detail)

Warnings

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.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Stromectol if you are allergic to it.

To make sure Stromectol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

It is not known whether Stromectol 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.

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

How should I take Stromectol?

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

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

Stromectol 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 Stromectol 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.

Detailed Stromectol dosage information

ivermectin, albendazole, Albenza, moxidectin, Mintezol

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Stromectol 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 Stromectol?

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of ivermectin.

What other drugs will affect Stromectol?

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.

Stromectol drug interactions (more detail)

Does Stromectol interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Popular FAQ

Is ivermectin safe for humans, and what is it used for?

When taken as directed, ivermectin is safe for humans to use. The tablets are taken by mouth to treat intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, two tropical infections caused by parasitic worms. Topical ivermectin is approved to treat head lice and rosacea.

Is Ivermectin FDA approved as a Covid Treatment?

No, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any form of ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19. To date, no data has shown it to be effective for treating or preventing COVID-19. The forms that are available for human use are approved to treat infections caused by parasitic worms or for rosacea.

Self-medicating with large doses of ivermectin can cause:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Low blood pressure
  • Allergic reactions
  • Dizziness
  • Balance problems
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Death

Should you drink Ivermectin for Covid treatment?

No. Many people have gotten very sick and had to be hospitalized after taking forms of ivermectin that are only approved for use in animals. Animal ivermectin products are very different from those approved for humans. Taking animal ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in people is dangerous.

Is ivermectin an over-the-counter (OTC) drug?

Sklice lotion, which is a form of ivermectin approved to treat head lice, is available OTC. Other forms and dosages of ivermectin for human use require a prescription from your health care provider.

Who makes Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is a generic medication made by several different manufacturers. It also comes under the brand name Stromectol, which is made by Merck Sharp & Dohme Co.

Does ivermectin cause infertility?

Ivermectin is not known to cause infertility, and it is not stated as a side effect on the FDA label. In September 2021, misinformation was spread online about ivermectin causing male infertility. It was based on a very small flawed 2002 study mentioned in a 2011 study. Animal studies with rats given 3 times the maximum recommended human dose of 200 mcg/kg did not show any adverse effects related to fertility.

More FAQ

Further information

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.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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