Product description
Stromectol is a drug that effectively copes with many types of parasites. It is used to treat lice, scabies, and onchocerciasis (river blindness), and other nematodosis in humans and animals. It is applied externally and internally, depending on the disease.
History of discovery Stromectol
Ivermectin was discovered in 1975 and has been used in medicine since 1981. It is on the world health organization's list of essential drugs. In 1997, Stromectol (Ivermectin) began to be used to treat strongyloidosis. It was also banned from being used for scabies and lice for people with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV infection.
Pharmacodynamics
Stromectol refers to preparations based on avermectins, which are a product of the vital activity of the bacteria Streptomyces avermitilis. Avermectins were first obtained in Japan. Thanks to the laboratory staff, their biological activity was established. Ivermectin is often used in ant baits as an insecticide. Other anthelmintic drugs such as selamectin, doramectin, and abamectin are also obtained from it, but they are used exclusively in veterinary medicine, unlike universal Ivermectin.
Indications for use
Stromectol has a wide spectrum of action and is used against parasitic worms. It is highly effective in treating infections caused by roundworms:
- onchocerciasis (most often, since other helminthiases have good alternatives in terms of price and performance – mebendazole, albendazole)
- strongyloidiasis;
- ascariasis;
- trichocephalosis;
- filariasis;
- enterobiasis;
- larva migrans.
Stromectol is also used for scabies and pediculosis for people with an unabated immune system. It is not used to control tapeworms and flukes.
Pharmacological action Stromectol
Stromectol is rapidly absorbed in the human body, and after 4 hours, the maximum concentration in the blood is reached. The substance is evenly distributed throughout the tissues, gets into the eyes in a limited amount, and is excreted after 28 hours, mainly through the intestines.
The action of Ivermectin is aimed at blocking the transmission of neuromuscular impulses. It causes paralysis in parasites, which leads to their death. Despite the wide spectrum of action, drugs' toxicity based on it is relatively low (but only with the correct dosage).
Instructions for use and dosage regimen
Stromectol for humans is recommended to be taken in the form of capsules.
The dosage is calculated based on the patient's body weight. The average single dose is 12 mg. Children over 5 years of age with a bodyweight of at least 15 kg are prescribed 150 mcg of the drug per 1 kg of weight. A single dosage for an adult patient is 150-200 mcg/kg. The number of applications is determined individually based on the patient's condition. Repeated use of the drug is possible after a break of 1-2 weeks.
Side effects and overdose
If the permissible amount of the drug is exceeded, animals may experience tremor, refusal of food, and temporary urinary incontinence. No complications or side effects were detected. In people with an overdose, therapeutic treatment is performed in the form of gastric lavage. The symptoms that characterize the overdose include:
- abdominal pain;
- nausea, vomiting;
- urticaria;
- diarrhea.
Side effects in humans are explained by a large number of dying microfilariae. Helminth paralysis causes signs of malaise 2 days after the start of administration. Symptoms are as follows:
- dizziness, migraines;
- drowsiness, weakness;
- fever;
- tachycardia;
- lymphadenopathy;
- peripheral edema;
- neuritis of the ocular nerve.
Contraindications
The drug's effect on Stromectol the child's body is not confirmed by clinical trials, so it cannot be used for children under five years of age. It is forbidden to use the drug during pregnancy and lactation, and with a strong weakening of the immune system.
You will also have to refuse Stromectol therapy in the following cases:
- the presence of liver failure;
- serious kidney disease;
- presence of allergic reactions;
- asthma;
- meningitis.
Before starting a therapeutic course, you need to carefully study the instructions for using the drug and the features of the substance Ivermectin's action. Do not combine Stromectol treatment with other antiparasitic drugs, local creams, and ointments. The risk of side effects increases during therapy during intense physical activity, with exacerbation of chronic diseases, as well as in the presence of an inflammatory process.
Special indications
Stromectol can be used in the treatment of parasitic infections in humans. However, such therapy should be carried out under the strict supervision of an infectiologist. The drug can be used in therapy in children. However, the child's weight should not be less than 15 kg. The drug can be prescribed to patients with increased activity of the immune system. However, it is not recommended to use the Stromectol for patients with reduced immunity.
The drug is prohibited for use during gestation or during breast-feeding, since the components of the capsules/solution can have a toxic effect on the body and the fetus. The Stromectol should be used with extreme caution in patients with chronic heart failure, functional disorders of the kidneys and liver, as well as in the presence of digestive disorders.
The drug Stromectol affects the central nervous system, so it is recommended to refrain from using it for people who perform hard physical work. Patients with central nervous system disorders, as well as patients with epileptic seizures, should also refrain from taking the drug. The drug can have a negative impact on the psyche and visual functions of a person, so it is recommended to abandon driving a car or performing other work that requires high psychomotor reactions.