IVERMECTIN
| IVERMECTIN (i-ver-mec'tin) Stromectol Classifications: anthelmintic; Therapeutic: anthelmintic; antiparasitic Prototype: Mebendazole Pregnancy Category: C |
Availability
3 mg tablets
Action
A semisynthetic anthelmintic agent which is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent with a unique mode of action. It leads to an increase in permeability to chloride ions of the cell membrane of the parasites, resulting in hyperpolarization of nerve or muscle cells of parasites. Hyperpolarization of nerve and muscle cells of parasites results in their paralysis and cell death.
Therapeutic Effect
Causes cell death of parasites.
Uses
Treatment of strongyloidiasis of the intestinal tract, onchocerciasis.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to ivermectin; pregnancy (category C). Safety and efficacy in children weighing ≤15 kg are not established.
Cautious Use
Asthma; older adults; moderate or severe hepatic disease.
Route & Dosage
| Strongyloides Adult/Child (≥15 kg): PO 200 mcg/kg x 1 dose Onchocerciasis Adult/Child (≥15 kg): PO 150 mcg/kg x 1 dose, may repeat q3–12 mo prn |
Administration
Oral- Give tablets with water rather than any other type of liquid.
- Store below 30° C (86° F).
Adverse Effects (≥1%)
Body as a Whole: Fever, peripheral edema. CNS: Dizziness. CV: Tachycardia. GI: Diarrhea, nausea. Skin: Pruritus, rash. Other: Arthralgia/synovitis, lymphadenopathy.Pharmacokinetics
Peak: 4 h. Distribution: Distributed into breast milk. Metabolism: In the liver. Elimination: In feces over 12 d. Half-Life: 16 h.Nursing Implications
Assessment & Drug Effects
- Monitor for therapeutic effectiveness: Indicated by negative stool samples.
- Monitor for cardiovascular effects such as orthostatic hypotension and tachycardia.
- Monitor for and report inflammatory conditions of the eyes.
Patient & Family Education
- Get a follow-up stool examination to determine effectiveness of treatment. Treatment for worms does not kill adult parasites; repeated follow-up and retreatment are usually needed.
- Notify physician if eye discomfort develops.
Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; 
Canadian drug name; 
Prototype drug