Ivermectin (Systemic)
Brand names: Stromectol
Drug class:
Antineoplastic Agents
Usage of Ivermectin (Systemic)
Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.
Ascariasis
Treatment of ascariasis† [off-label] caused by Ascaris lumbricoides. Albendazole and mebendazole are drugs of choice. Ivermectin also recommended as a drug of choice, but efficacy not clearly established.
Filariasis
Treatment of onchocerciasis (filariasis caused by Onchocerca volvulus; commonly referred to as river blindness). Drug of choice. Used in individual patients and in mass treatment and control programs. Does not kill adult O. volvulus worms, but decreases microfilarial load in skin for approximately 6–12 months following a single dose.
Treatment of filariasis caused by Mansonella streptocerca† [off-label]. Diethylcarbamazine (available in US from CDC) and ivermectin are drugs of choice. Diethylcarbamazine is potentially curative since it is active against both adult worms and microfilariae; ivermectin is effective only against microfilariae.
Has been used for treatment of filariasis caused by M. ozzardi† [off-label].
Treatment of filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti† [off-label] or Brugia malayi† [off-label]; used alone or in conjunction with albendazole or diethylcarbamazine (available in US from CDC). Ivermectin does not kill adult worms, but may play an important role in mass treatment programs to suppress microfilaremia and thereby interrupt transmission in endemic areas. Diethylcarbamazine is usual drug of choice, especially for individual patients when the goal is to kill the adult worm.
Has been used in conjunction with albendazole to treat co-infection with W. bancrofti† and O. volvulus.
Has been used to reduce microfilaremia in the treatment of loiasis caused by Loa loa†. Generally not recommended since rapid killing of microfilariae increases risk of encephalopathy. (See Encephalopathy Risk in Onchocerciasis and Loiasis under Cautions.) Drug of choice for loiasis is diethylcarbamazine (available in US from CDC); preferred alternative is albendazole since it has a slower onset of action and decreased risk of encephalopathy compared with ivermectin.
Gnathostomiasis
Treatment of gnathostomiasis† caused by Gnathostoma spinigerum. Drug of choice (with or without surgical removal) is albendazole or ivermectin.
Hookworm Infections
Treatment of cutaneous larva migrans† (creeping eruption) caused by Ancylostoma braziliense (dog and cat hookworm) or Ancylostoma caninum (dog hookworm). Usually self-limited with spontaneous cure after several weeks or months; when treatment is indicated, drug of choice is albendazole or ivermectin.
Do not use for treatment of intestinal hookworm infections caused by Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus. Appears to have little or no activity against these hookworms. Albendazole, mebendazole, and pyrantel pamoate are drugs of choice.
Strongyloidiasis
Treatment of intestinal (i.e., nondisseminated) strongyloidiasis caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. Drug of choice; alternative is albendazole.
Has been used for treatment of strongyloidiasis hyperinfection with disseminated disease† and for treatment of strongyloidiasis in immunocompromised patients. Drug of choice; alternative is albendazole. Repeated or prolonged ivermectin therapy or use with other drugs may be necessary; treatment failures reported.
Empiric treatment of strongyloidiasis before transplantation to prevent hyperinfection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients†. Such treatment recommended by CDC, IDSA, ASBMT, and others for HSCT candidates with positive strongyloidiasis screening tests or possible exposure (e.g., unexplained eosinophilia and travel or residence history suggestive of S. stercoralis exposure [even if seronegative or stool-negative]). Data insufficient to recommend prophylaxis after HSCT to prevent recurrence of strongyloidiasis in such patients.
Trichuriasis
Treatment of trichuriasis† caused by Trichuris trichiura (whipworm). Albendazole is drug of choice; alternatives are mebendazole and ivermectin.
Pediculosis
Treatment of pediculosis capitis† (head lice infestation). AAP and others usually recommend topical treatment with OTC preparation of permethrin 1% or pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide for initial treatment; other topical pediculicides (e.g., malathion 0.5%, Benzyl Alcohol 5%, spinosad 0.9%) recommended if OTC preparations ineffective or permethrin or pyrethrin resistance suspected. Oral ivermectin recommended as an alternative for infestations not responding to or resistant to topical agents.
Alternative for treatment of pediculosis pubis† (pubic lice infestation). Drug of choice is topical permethrin 1% or topical pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide.
Alternative for treatment of pediculosis corporis† (body lice infestation). In some cases, body louse infestations may be treated by improved hygiene and by decontaminating clothes and bedding by washing at temperatures that kill lice. If infestation severe and a pediculicide necessary, use agents recommended for pediculosis capitis (i.e., topical permethrin or topical pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide or, alternatively, other topical pediculicides or oral ivermectin).
Scabies
Treatment of scabies† (mite infestation). CDC, AAP, and others usually recommend topical permethrin 5% as scabicide of choice; CDC also recommends oral ivermectin as a drug of choice.
May be particularly useful in refractory scabies infestations, for control of outbreaks in institutions, and when compliance with topical therapy is difficult.
Has been used for treatment of severe or crusted (i.e., Norwegian) scabies†. May be a drug of choice in immunocompromised patients. Aggressive treatment (multiple-dose oral ivermectin regimen with concomitant topical scabicide) usually necessary.
Relate drugs
- Abemaciclib (Systemic)
- Acyclovir (Systemic)
- Adenovirus Vaccine
- Aldomet
- Aluminum Acetate
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How to use Ivermectin (Systemic)
General
Onchocerciasis
Strongyloidiasis
Pediculosis†
Scabies†
Administration
Oral Administration
Administer orally. Take tablets on an empty stomach with water.
Dosage
Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.
Pediatric Patients
Safety and efficacy not established in children weighing <15 kg.
Ascariasis† Ascaris lumbricoides infections† OralChildren weighing ≥15 kg: 150–200 mcg/kg as a single dose.
Filariasis Onchocerciasis (Filariasis Caused by Onchocerca volvulus) OralChildren weighing ≥15 kg: Approximately 150 mcg/kg as a single dose.
For individual patients, retreat once every 6–12 months until asymptomatic; can consider intervals as short as 3 months.
In international mass treatment and control programs (MDA programs), typically administered at 6- or 12-month intervals. Some (e.g., in hyperendemic areas) use 3-month intervals.
Approximate Ivermectin Dose for Treatment of Onchocerciasis (Based on Patient Weight) 1Patient Weight (kg)
Single Oral Dose
15–25
3 mg
26–44
6 mg
45–64
9 mg
65–84
12 mg
≥85
150 mcg/kg
Alternatively, in MDA programs, dosage is estimated based on height† since weighing recipients may be impractical (e.g., in rural areas of developing countries).
Approximate Ivermectin Dose for Treatment of Onchocerciasis in Mass Treatment Programs (Based on Patient Height†)8889118Patient Height (cm)
Single Oral Dose
90–119
3 mg
120–140
6 mg
141–158
9 mg
≥159
12 mg
Mansonella streptocerca Infections† OralChildren weighing ≥15 kg: 150 mcg/kg as a single dose.
Wuchereria bancrofti Infections† Oral150–400 mcg/kg as a single dose has been used; often used in conjunction with a single dose of albendazole or diethylcarbamazine (available in US from CDC).
Gnathostomiasis† Gnathostoma spinigerum Infections† OralChildren weighing ≥15 kg: 200 mcg/kg once daily for 2 days.
Hookworm Infections† Cutaneous Larva Migrans (Creeping Eruption Caused by Dog and Cat Hookworms)† OralChildren weighing ≥15 kg: 200 mcg/kg once daily for 1–2 days.
Strongyloidiasis Treatment of Intestinal Strongyloides stercoralis Infections OralChildren weighing ≥15 kg: Approximately 200 mcg/kg as a single dose. Alternatively, some clinicians recommend 200 mcg/kg once daily for 2 days.
Manufacturer states additional doses not generally necessary, but follow-up stool examinations required to verify eradication. Retreat if recrudescence of larvae observed.
Approximate Ivermectin Dose for Treatment of Intestinal Strongyloidiasis (Based on Patient Weight)1Patient Weight (kg)
Single Oral Dose
15–24
3 mg
25–35
6 mg
36–50
9 mg
51–65
12 mg
66–79
15 mg
≥80
200 mcg/kg
Prevention of Strongyloides Hyperinfection in HSCT Candidates at Risk† OralChildren weighing ≥15 kg: 200 mcg/kg once daily for 2 days; repeat after 2 weeks. Complete regimen prior to HSCT.
In immunocompromised candidates, multiple courses at 2-week intervals may be required and cure may not be achievable.
Trichuriasis† Trichuris trichiura Infections† OralChildren weighing ≥15 kg: 200 mcg/kg once daily for 3 days.
Pediculosis† Pediculosis Capitis (Head Lice Infestation)† OralChildren weighing ≥15 kg: 200 or 400 mcg/kg . Although >1 dose usually necessary, optimal number of doses and dosing interval not established.
A 2-dose regimen of 200- or 400-mcg/kg doses given 7–10 days apart has been used.
Pediculosis Pubis (Pubic Lice Infestation)† OralA 2-dose regimen of 250-mcg/kg doses given 2 weeks apart recommended by CDC.
Scabies† OralChildren weighing ≥15 kg: A 2-dose regimen of 200-mcg/kg doses given 2 weeks apart recommended by CDC.
Others recommend 2-dose regimen of 200-mcg/kg doses given ≥7 days apart.
Optimal number of doses not determined; 2 doses usually recommended, especially in immunocompromised patients.
Crusted (Norwegian) Scabies† OralChildren weighing ≥15 kg: Multiple-dose regimen consisting of 200-mcg/kg doses. CDC and others recommend doses be given once daily on days 1, 2, 8, 9, and 15; severe cases may also require doses on days 22 and 29.
Usually used in conjunction with a topical scabicide (e.g., topical Benzyl benzoate 5%, topical permethrin 5%).
Adults
Ascariasis† Ascaris lumbricoides Infections† Oral150–200 mcg/kg as a single dose.
Filariasis Onchocerciasis (Filariasis Caused by Onchocerca volvulus) OralApproximately 150 mcg/kg as a single dose.
For individual patients, retreat once every 6–12 months until asymptomatic; can consider intervals as short as 3 months.
Approximate Ivermectin Dose for Treatment of Onchocerciasis (Based on Patient Weight)1Patient Weight (kg)
Single Oral Dose
15–25
3 mg
26–44
6 mg
45–64
9 mg
65–84
12 mg
≥85
150 mcg/kg
Alternatively, in some mass treatment and control programs, dosage is estimated based on height†; weighing recipients may be impractical (e.g., in rural areas of developing countries).
Approximate Ivermectin Dose for Treatment of Onchocerciasis in Mass Treatment Programs (Based on Patient Height†) 8889Patient Height (cm)
Single Oral Dose
90–119
3 mg
120–140
6 mg
141–158
9 mg
≥159
12 mg
Mansonella Infections† OralFilariasis caused by M. streptocerca†: 150 mcg/kg as a single dose.
Filariasis caused by M. ozzardi†: 200 mcg/kg as a single dose has been used.
Wuchereria bancrofti Infections† Oral150–400 mcg/kg as a single dose has been used; often used in conjunction with a single dose of albendazole or diethylcarbamazine (available in US from CDC).
Gnathostomiasis† Gnathostoma spinigerum Infections† Oral200 mcg/kg once daily for 2 days.
Hookworm Infections† Cutaneous Larva Migrans (Creeping Eruption Caused by Dog and Cat Hookworms)† Oral200 mcg/kg once daily for 1–2 days.
Strongyloidiasis Treatment of Intestinal Strongyloides stercoralis Infections OralApproximately 200 mcg/kg as a single dose. Alternatively, some clinicians recommend 200 mcg/kg once daily for 2 days.
Manufacturer states additional doses not generally necessary, but follow-up stool examinations required to verify eradication. Retreat if recrudescence of larvae observed.
Approximate Single Dose for Treatment of Intestinal Strongyloidiasis (Based on Patient Weight)1Patient Weight (kg)
Single Oral Dose
15–24
3 mg
25–35
6 mg
36–50
9 mg
51–65
12 mg
66–79
15 mg
≥80
200 mcg/kg
Prevention of Strongyloides Hyperinfection in HSCT Candidates at Risk† Oral200 mcg/kg once daily for 2 days; repeat after 2 weeks. Complete regimen prior to HSCT.
In immunocompromised candidates, multiple courses at 2-week intervals may be required and cure may not be achievable.
Trichuriasis† Trichuris trichiura Infections† Oral200 mcg/kg once daily for 3 days.
Pediculosis† Pediculosis Capitis (Head Lice Infestation)† Oral200 or 400 mcg/kg. Although >1 dose usually necessary, optimal number of doses and dosing interval not established.
A 2-dose regimen of 200- or 400-mcg/kg doses given 7–10 days apart has been used.
Pediculosis Pubis (Pubic Lice Infestation)† OralA 2-dose regimen of 250-mcg/kg doses given 2 weeks apart recommended by CDC.
Scabies† OralA 2-dose regimen of 200-mcg/kg doses given 2 weeks apart recommended by CDC.
Others recommend 2-dose regimen of 200-mcg/kg doses given ≥7 days apart.
Optimal number of doses not determined; 2 doses usually recommended, especially in immunocompromised patients.
Crusted (Norwegian) Scabies† OralMultiple-dose regimen consisting of 200-mcg/kg doses. CDC and others recommend doses be given once daily on days 1, 2, 8, 9, and 15; severe cases may also require doses on days 22 and 29.
Use in conjunction with a topical scabicide (e.g., topical benzyl benzoate 5%, topical permethrin 5%).
Warnings
Contraindications
Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.
Warnings/Precautions
Warnings
Mazzotti ReactionsCutaneous and/or systemic reactions of varying severity (Mazzotti reactions) may occur in patients with onchocerciasis receiving microfilaricidal drugs (e.g., diethylcarbamazine, ivermectin). These may be secondary to allergic and inflammatory responses to death of microfilariae.
Mazzotti reactions may include pruritus, edema, frank urticarial rash (papular and pustular), fever, arthralgia/synovitis, and lymph node enlargement/tenderness (e.g., axillary, cervical, inguinal).
Mazzotti-type reactions appear to be less severe and occur less frequently with ivermectin than with diethylcarbamazine.
These reactions may be most severe in previously untreated patients and may diminish with subsequent treatment (e.g., annual mass treatment and control programs).
Optimal treatment of severe Mazzotti reactions not determined. Oral or IV hydration, recumbency, and/or parenteral corticosteroids have been used to treat postural hypotension; for supportive treatment of mild to moderate reactions, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and/or aspirin have been used.
Mazzotti-type reactions observed with treatment of onchocerciasis or the disease itself would not be anticipated in patients being treated for strongyloidiasis.
Ocular EffectsOcular reactions (e.g., abnormal sensation in the eyes, eyelid edema, anterior uveitis, conjunctivitis, limbitis, keratitis, chorioretinitis or choroiditis) may occur in patients being treated for onchocerciasis or may occur secondary to the disease itself.
Ocular reactions observed with treatment of onchocerciasis or the disease itself would not be anticipated in patients being treated for strongyloidiasis.
NeurotoxicityNot recommended in patients with an impaired blood-brain barrier (e.g., meningitis, African trypanosomiasis) or CNS disorders that may increase CNS penetration of the drug; potential interaction with CNS GABA receptors. (See Interactions.)
P-glycoprotein, encoded by the multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1), functions as a drug efflux transporter; appears to limit CNS uptake and prevent potentially fatal neurotoxicity.
Theoretical increased risk of neurotoxicity in patients with altered expression or function of P-glycoprotein (e.g. through genetic polymorphism, concomitant use of inhibitors of the P-glycoprotein transport system); if such increased susceptibility exists, apparently rare. (See Interactions.)
Although not reported in humans to date, neurotoxicity (e.g., tremors, ataxia, sweating, lethargy, coma, death) has occurred in certain animals with extreme sensitivity (e.g., collie dogs, inbred strains of mice); increased CNS sensitivity appears to be secondary to absent or dysfunctional MDR and P-glycoprotein.
General Precautions
Encephalopathy Risk in Onchocerciasis and LoiasisConsider possible severe adverse effects when treating onchocerciasis in patients from areas where onchocerciasis and loiasis are co-endemic.
Patients with onchocerciasis who also are heavily infected with L. loa may develop serious or fatal neurologic events (e.g., encephalopathy, coma) either spontaneously or following rapid killing of microfilariae with effective microfilaricidal agents, including ivermectin.
Back pain, conjunctival hemorrhage, dyspnea, urinary and/or fecal incontinence, difficulty standing or walking, mental status changes, confusion, lethargy, stupor, seizures, coma, dysarthria or aphasia, fever, headache, or chills also reported.
Reported rarely in patients receiving ivermectin, but a definite causal relationship not established.
Pretreatment assessment for loiasis and careful post-treatment follow-up recommended when treatment is planned for any reason in patients with significant exposure to L. loa in endemic areas (West or Central Africa).
Other Precautions in FilariasisIncreased risk of severe adverse reactions (e.g., edema, aggravation of onchodermatitis) in patients with hyperreactive onchodermatitis (sowdah).
Does not kill adult O. volvulus worms, but decreases microfilarial load in skin for approximately 6–12 months following a single dose. Follow-up and retreatment required since the adult female worms continue to produce microfilaria for 9–15 years.
Specific Populations
PregnancyCategory C.
Has been inadvertently given to pregnant women during mass distribution campaigns for treatment and control of onchocerciasis or lymphatic filariasis, but was not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, congenital malformations, or differences in developmental status or disease patterns in the offspring of such women.
World Health Organization (WHO) and other experts state that use for treatment of onchocerciasis after the first trimester probably is acceptable based on the high risk of infection-associated blindness if untreated.
LactationDistributed into milk. Use in nursing women only when risk of delayed treatment in the woman outweighs risks to the nursing infant.
Pediatric UseSafety and efficacy not established in children weighing <15 kg.
Some clinicians state that use not recommended in young children (e.g., those weighing <15 kg or <2 years of age) partly because the blood-brain barrier may be less developed than in older patients. (See Neurotoxicity under Cautions.)
Limited data suggest that safety in those 6–13 years of age similar to that in adults.
Geriatric UseInsufficient experience in controlled clinical studies in patients ≥65 years of age to determine whether geriatric patients respond differently than younger adults. Other clinical experience has not revealed age-related differences in response.
Use with caution due to greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, and/or cardiac function and of concomitant disease and drug therapy observed in the elderly.
Common Adverse Effects
Treatment of onchocerciasis: Worsening of Mazzotti reactions (see Mazzotti Reactions under Cautions), ocular effects, peripheral edema, tachycardia, eosinophilia.
Treatment of strongyloidiasis: GI effects (diarrhea, nausea, anorexia, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal distention), decreased leukocyte count, eosinophilia, increased hemoglobin, increased serum ALT or AST, nervous system effects (dizziness, asthenia or fatigue, somnolence, tremor, vertigo), pruritus, rash, urticaria.
What other drugs will affect Ivermectin (Systemic)
Appears to be metabolized principally by CYP3A4 and, to lesser extent, by 2D6 and 2E1. Does not inhibit CYP3A4, 2D6, 2C9, 1A2, and 2E1.
Drugs with GABA-potentiating Activity
Concomitant use with drugs with GABA-potentiating activity (e.g., barbiturates, benzodiazepines, sodium oxybate, valproic acid) not recommended. Ivermectin may interact with GABA receptors in the CNS.
Drugs Affecting or Affected by P-glycoprotein Transport
Appears to be a substrate of P-glycoprotein transport system. Theoretical possibility of interactions with inducers (e.g., amprenavir, clotrimazole, phenothiazines, rifampin, ritonavir, St. John’s wort) or inhibitors (e.g., amiodarone, carvedilol, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, quinidine, ritonavir, tamoxifen, verapamil) of this system. Concomitant use with inhibitors theoretically could result in increased brain concentrations of ivermectin and neurotoxicity
Specific Drugs
Drug
Interaction
Comments
Alcohol
Increased plasma ivermectin concentrations
Clinical importance unknown
Anticoagulants
Postmarketing reports of elevated INR when used concomitantly with warfarin
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepine effects may be potentiated
Concomitant use not recommended
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