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Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medicine commonly supplied under brand names such as Stromectol. In Australia it is prescribed for particular parasitic infections including strongyloidiasis and some cases of scabies. It is important to note that ivermectin is not an antibiotic and does not treat bacterial infections.

  • Primary active ingredient: ivermectin
  • Therapeutic group: anthelmintic / antiparasitic
  • Typical oral tablet strengths available: 3 mg, 6 mg and 12 mg

Before you begin the planvalidation the safety pointers under Pre-treatmentinvestigate the potential possible drug the dynamics of interaction considerations, and read about likely knock-on effects. For details on prescriptions, subsidy and import rules see Access rights related to lawful standing.

Preceding the start treatment

Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about any relevant health history so dosing and performance monitoring can be adjusted. Important considerations include:

  • Past allergic reactions to medicines or to ivermectin itself
  • Current or prior liver disease and recent liver function tests
  • Respiratory illnesses such as severe asthma or chronic lung conditions
  • Pregnancy, plans to conceive or if you are breastfeeding

People with a very high parasite burden or those arriving from regions where certain parasites are common may need closer supervision or specialist review. If you are unsure whether ivermectin is appropriate, ask during your consultation or see how to obtain ivermectin in Australia.

Steps for proper ivermectin use

The following practical points reflect standard clinical advice. Your prescriber may give different instructions based on your condition.

  • Gulp the tablets down whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew unless a clinician has advised otherwise.
  • Take on an empty stomach when possible: generally at least 30 minutes before a meal, or about 2 hours after eating, unless told otherwise.
  • Follow the exact dose and schedule prescribed. Do not change frequency or dose without medical approval.
  • Complete the full course that your clinician prescribes even if symptoms improve sooner, unless you are advised to stop.

Children of today are dosed according to body weight and should be managed by a pediatric clinician. In the event of suspected overdosed contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia) or attend the nearest emergency department.

If you experience severe dizziness, marked visual changes or other concerning effects after a dose, avoid driving or operating machinery and seek medical advice; see Safety reminders for risks and advisories for safety related to lingering effects to obtain more information, consult the user guide.

Dose left untaken

In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless the next dose is due soon. If the next dose is imminent, skip the i failed to take my dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up on dosing to replace a i failed to take my dose.

Drug personal interplay between partiess build trust and rapport. you should watch for

A number of medicines and substances can affect ivermectin concentrations or increase the chance of damaging effects. Always provide a complete list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, supplements and recreational substances to your clinician or pharmacist. Examples include:

  • Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 or P-glycoprotein (for example some azole antifungals and certain macrolide antibiotics)
  • Warfarin is a drug in the anticoagulant category. which may require closer tracking and monitoring of performance for bleeding
  • Other central nervous system depressants that can increase drowsiness or dizziness

The roster is not exhaustive. If you start or stop any other medicine while taking ivermectinplease check the details. with your prescriber or pharmacist about potential people engage through a series of the give and take of interactions..

Follow-up care and hygiene

Your health professional may schedule follow-up tests or visits to confirm clearance of the parasite. Some infections require repeat treatment and post-treatment testing. To reduce the chance of reinfection and to protect household contacts:

  • Practice good personal hygiene: wash and dry skin carefully and keep nails clean.
  • Launder bedding, towels and underwear regularly during and after treatment.
  • Clean commonly touched surfaces and bathroom fittings to reduce spread.
  • Household contacts may need assessment and in some situations simultaneous treatment, for example with scabies — follow clinician advice.

If you are uncertain about timing for follow-up, contact your prescriber or local pharmacist and consider the results Ivermectin: ways to handle it.

Possible drug unintended effects and when to seek urgent help

Obtain prompt medical assistance for your symptoms. signs of a severe or life threatening reaction, including:

  • Allergic reactions: widespread rash, severe itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing
  • Major cardiovascular or neurological signs: chest pain, palpitations, fainting, severe dizziness, confusion or seizures
  • Eye symptoms: sudden vision changes, severe eye pain, marked redness or swelling
  • High fever, extensive skin blistering or peeling, or mucous membrane involvement

More frequent, usually milder reactions that generally do not need emergency care but should be reported if persistent include:

  • A head pain, lightheadedness or tremor
  • Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, constipation or diarrhea
  • Muscle aches, joint pain or swollen lymph nodes

If in doubt about any symptoms, contact your prescriber or local pharmacist. For advice on preventing spread while symptomatic see Follow-up care and hygiene.

Note: Ivermectin is not approved in Australia for the treatment of COVID-19. Use based on unsupported symptoms can put patients at risk; always follow current official leadership.

Safe keeping and disposal

  • Never leave medicines where children can reach or see them.
  • Store at normal room temperature below 30 C (86 F); protect from moisture and strong light.
  • Do not use beyond the expiry date. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused tablets safely.

Alternative choices and indicative price levels (AUD)

The prices below are approximate and depend on the pharmacy, brand, pack size and whether the medicine is subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). If eligible for PBS subsidy your out-of-pocket cost may be significantly lower. Check Services Australia or your pharmacist for current subsidy and cost and pricing model.

Ivermectin expense estimates

  • Generic oral ivermectin (three milligram tablet): approximately AUD 25 to AUD 90 for a typical short course, depending on quantity and supplier.
  • Branded Stormectol-like products: typically priced higher than generics, often in the range AUD 40 to AUD 120 for comparable quantities.

Other medicines used for parasitic infections

  • Permethrin 5% cream (topical) - commonly recommended first-line for scabies: about AUD 10 to AUD 25 per tube.
  • Benzyl benzoate lotion - topical scabicide: roughly AUD 8 to AUD 20 per bottle.
  • Albendazole - oral anthelmintic for various worm infections: about AUD 10 to AUD 60 depending on dose and brand.
  • Mebendazole - for some intestinal helminths: usually AUD 10 to AUD 20 per pack.
  • Praziquantel in therapy - used for tapeworms and flukes: cost varies with dose and indication, often around AUD 50 to AUD 100 or higher for standard courses.

Treatment selection depends on the infecting organism, severity, pregnancy status and other clinical factors. Discuss options, likely benefits and costs with your prescriber or pharmacist. For information on obtaining ivermectin legally in Australia see Status under access to legal rights in addition to the law.

Additional aspects about Stromectol