Ivermectin 6 mg tablet

Medication name

Generic name:
Ivermectin – oral

Pronunciation
(EYE-ver-MEK-tin)

Brand name(s)
Iverheal

Uses

This medication is used to treat certain parasitic roundworm infections. Treating parasitic infections improves your quality of life. In people with weakened immune systems, treating roundworm infections can reduce the risk of developing serious or life-threatening infections. Ivermectin belongs to a class of medications known as anthelmintics. It works by paralyzing and killing parasites.

Ivermectin is not recommended for coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19, unless you are enrolled in a study. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Other uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medicine can also be used for other parasitic infections including lice and scabies.

How to use

Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before eating) with a glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters). Take ivermectin as directed by your doctor, usually as a single dose or several doses. Dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Side effects

Headache, dizziness, muscle pain, nausea, or diarrhea may occur. If you are being treated for “river blindness” (onchocerciasis), you may experience reactions to the dying parasites during the first 4 days of treatment, including joint pain, tender/swollen lymph nodes, eye swelling/redness/pain, weakness, vision changes, itching, rash, and fever. If any of these effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To reduce dizziness upon standing, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that this medication is prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people who use this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• neck/back pain
• swelling face/arms/hands/feet
• chest pain
• fast heartbeat
• drowsiness
• confusion
• seizures

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before taking ivermectin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergies or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• liver problems

If you have traveled to or lived in West or Central Africa, you may be infected with certain parasites (such as Loa loa, African trypanosomiasis) that may cause problems with ivermectin treatment. These effects can rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) effects on the brain (such as encephalopathy). Consult your doctor for more information.

This medication may make you feel dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do so safely. Limit alcohol consumption. If you are using marijuana (cannabis), talk to your doctor.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

If you have a weakened immune system (such as due to HIV infection), you may need frequent treatment with this medication. Talk to your doctor for more details.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only if it is clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Ivermectin passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor for advice before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some of the products that may interact with this drug include:

• barbiturates (such as phenobarbital, butalbital)
• benzodiazepines (such as clonazepam, lorazepam)
• sodium oxybate (GHB)
• valproic acid

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: numbness, tingling, trouble breathing, loss of coordination, seizures.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as stool tests for intestinal parasites) should be done while you are taking this medication. If you are being treated for “river blindness,” you may need more frequent medical tests and frequent treatments because ivermectin does not kill adult Onchocerca worms. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed dose

If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. When this product is expired or no longer needed, discard it properly. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Important note

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective or suitable for you. This information is not individual medical advice and is not a substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

FAQs

What is Ivermectin 6 Tablet? What is it used for?

Ivermectin 6 Tablet belongs to a class of medicines called ectoparasiticides. It helps treat many types of parasitic infections, including head lice, scabies, river blindness (onchocerciasis), certain types of diarrhea (strongyloidiasis) and some other worm infections. It can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin for external infections.

Is Ivermectin 6 Tablet effective?

Ivermectin 6 Tablet is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop it even if you see improvement in your condition. It is important to complete the full course of the treatment. Ivermectin 6 Tablet may cause the symptoms to return or even worst.

Is Ivermectin 6 Tablet available over the counter?

No, Ivermectin 6 Tablet is not available over the counter. It can only be taken if prescribed by a doctor. Do not self-medicate to avoid any side effects. Take Ivermectin 6 Tablet only under the supervision of a healthcare professional to get the maximum benefit of it.

How does Ivermectin 6 Tablet work?

Ivermectin 6 Tablet works by first paralyzing and then killing the infection-causing organisms. It also helps in slowing down the multiplication rate of the causative organisms, thereby speeding up the healing process. This entire process helps in treating the infection.

What if I forget to take a dose of Ivermectin 6 Tablet?

If you have missed a dose of Ivermectin 6 Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.

Is Ivermectin 6 Tablet safe?

Ivermectin 6 Tablet is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any doses. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and tell your doctor if any of the side effects bother you.