Stromectol is a brand name for Ivermectin. The drug is only available by prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. It’s sold in typical dosages of 3-, 6-, and 12-milligram tablets.
What is Stromectol and How Does It Work?
Stromectol is an antiparasitic medication used to treat infections caused by certain parasites. The medication belongs to a class of drugs called anthelmintics. It works by binding to the nerve and muscle cells of parasites. That paralyzes the parasites and eventually kills them.
Which Diseases Does Stromectol Treats?
Stromectol treats a wide range of infestations, including scabies and head lice. It also treats the following conditions:
- Strongyloidiasis
- River blindness (onchocerciasis)
- Lymphatic filariasis
- Trichuriasis
- Other conditions caused by mites and insects
Note: According to key health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Ivermectin is not authorized or approved to treat COVID-19.
How to Take Stromectol
Take Stromectol pills by mouth and on an empty stomach. Take the drug at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.
Taking Stromectol with a full glass of water is also strongly advised. The dosage varies depending on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Take this medication exactly as described on the label or as directed by your physician.
Missed Dose
Stromectol is mostly prescribed as a single dose. You may not be on a dosing schedule. But if you’re, take your missed dose immediately, you remember. Skip the missed dose if it’s nearly time for the next planned dose. Don’t take extra drugs to make up for the missed dose.
Stromectol Overdose
A Stromectol overdose will result in some symptoms, such as:
- Trouble breathing
- Seizures
- Numbness
- Loss of coordination
- Passing out
- Tingling
If you experience the signs above, seek emergency medical help. You can also call your local Poison Help Control Center.
Side Effects of Stromectol
Ivermectin is considered relatively toxicity-free in standard doses. Based on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for Ivermectin, side effects are uncommon. But you may experience the following:
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Mild skin rash
- Itching
Get emergency medical help in case of any of the following severe side effects:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Trouble breathing or fast heart rate
- Confusing or balance issues (trouble walking)
- Neck, back pain, or seizure
- Serious skin rash
- Stomach pain, swelling in hands or feet.
- Pain or redness in the eyes
Note: This isn’t a complete list of side effects. Ask your doctor for information about the drug when you receive the prescription, or carefully review the Medication Guide for Stromectol.
Precautions Before Taking Stromectol
As mentioned, Stromectol can make you dizzy. This dizziness can affect you when driving or using any form of heavy machinery. Drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana can worsen the drug’s side effects. If you must drink or use marijuana, let your doctor know so they can advise you appropriately.
To be safe, you also should speak to your medical provider in any of the following situations:
- You have kidney or liver disease
- You’re diagnosed with cancer or have tested positive for HIV/AIDs.
- Or you have any other condition that can weaken your immune system.
- You’re pregnant. It’s yet to be known whether Stromectol will harm an unborn baby. However, it’s essential to let your doctor know before using the drug.
Warning: Stromectol is excreted into human milk in low concentrations. Treatment is not recommended during breastfeeding unless the risk of delayed treatment to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the infant.
Contraindications
The only major contraindication to using Stromectol is hypersensitivity to the active ingredient. Avoid using Stromectol if you’re allergic to it or any formulation component.
Children under five or those who weigh less than 15kg (33 pounds) should also not use Stromectol. There is insufficient data about its safety or efficacy when used by this category of patients.
Stromectol Interaction with Other Drugs
Stromectol may interact with other drugs. These include prescription, over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, and vitamins. Some of the actual drugs that may interact with Stromectol include:
- Aspirin
- Amoxicillin
- Valproic acid
- Sodium oxybate
- Atenolol
- Benzodiazepines like clonazepam and lorazepam
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you use now and any you start or stop using.
Stromectol Storage and Disposal
Store Stromectol at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Avoid storing the drug in cabinets in your sauna or bathroom.
Like any other drug, you should store Stromectol away from the reach of children and pets. A locked cupboard at least five feet (one-and-a-half meters) above the group is fine.
Dispose of any unused or expired medicine appropriately. You can put the drug in a plastic bag with an undesirable substance, such as coffee grounds. Throw them in the garbage, then take them to a regulated disposal location.
FAQs
How Does Alcohol Interact with Stromectol?
There are not any known interactions between alcohol and Stromectol. Yet, drinking alcohol while using this drug may escalate the risk of some side effects. These include nausea or vomiting.