From the Guidelines
Ivermectin tablets for parasites should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, with a typical adult dose of 200 micrograms per kilogram (mcg/kg) taken as a single oral dose, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The dose is based on body weight, and for most adults, this means taking the calculated dose once. The tablets should be swallowed whole with water on an empty stomach. Some key points to consider when taking ivermectin include:
- Treatment may need to be repeated after 1-2 weeks for some parasitic infections, such as strongyloidiasis, onchocerciasis (river blindness), and scabies.
- Side effects are usually mild and may include headache, dizziness, muscle pain, or mild skin rash.
- Ivermectin works by paralyzing and killing parasites by affecting their nervous system.
- It's essential to complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve before it's finished.
- Pregnant women should avoid ivermectin unless the benefit clearly outweighs potential risks, as noted in various studies 1.
- Always inform your doctor about other medications you're taking to avoid potential interactions.
When considering the administration of ivermectin, it's crucial to follow the recommended guidelines to ensure effective treatment and minimize potential side effects. The most recent study 1 provides the best evidence for the proper administration of ivermectin tablets for parasitic infections. Some other studies, such as 1 and 1, also provide relevant information on the treatment of parasitic infections, but the most recent guidelines should be prioritized.
In terms of specific treatment regimens, the guidelines recommend:
- Ivermectin 200ug/kg orally, repeated in 2 weeks, as an alternative to permethrin 5% cream for the treatment of scabies 1.
- Ivermectin 200 mg/kg as a single dose for the treatment of helminth infections, such as strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis 1.
Overall, it's essential to follow the recommended guidelines and consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for parasitic infections.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Strongyloidiasis The recommended dosage of STROMECTOL for the treatment of strongyloidiasis is a single oral dose designed to provide approximately 200 mcg of ivermectin per kg of body weight. Patients should take tablets on an empty stomach with water. Onchocerciasis The recommended dosage of STROMECTOL for the treatment of onchocerciasis is a single oral dose designed to provide approximately 150 mcg of ivermectin per kg of body weight Patients should take tablets on an empty stomach with water.
The proper administration of ivermectin tablets for parasitic infections is:
- A single oral dose
- Taken on an empty stomach
- With water
- The dosage is based on body weight, with 200 mcg/kg for strongyloidiasis and 150 mcg/kg for onchocerciasis, as outlined in the dosage guidelines tables 2.
From the Research
Administration of Ivermectin Tablets
The proper administration of ivermectin tablets for parasitic infections is as follows:
- A single dose of 150-200 micrograms/kg is effective against Strongyloides stercoralis infection 3, 4
- A single dose of 200 micrograms/kg is effective against scabies 5
- A dose of 150 micrograms/kg may be the optimal dose for initial therapy of onchocerciasis 6
- Ivermectin can be given orally, and the treatment is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects 3, 7, 4, 5, 6
Dosage Considerations
- The dosage of ivermectin may vary depending on the specific parasitic infection being treated
- For example, a single dose of 200 micrograms/kg is effective against Strongyloides stercoralis infection in children 4
- In cases of scabies, a single dose of 200 micrograms/kg may be sufficient, but some patients may require a second dose two weeks after the first 5