How Stromectol 12 mg Tablets Work: A Complete Guide

What is Ivermectin?

The active ingredient in the name-brand drug Stromectol is Ivermectin. It was approved in 1987 for treating parasitic infections in humans. Priorly, this medicine was used in animals to treat infections from worms. Ivermectin belongs to the anthelmintic drug category; these drugs help in treating parasitic infections. They work by killing the parasites. In addition to the name brand, Stromectol is also available as a generic equivalent in the form of tablets, creams, and lotion. The medicine is available in 3mg, 6mg, and 12mg. You can purchase Ivermectin topical lotion as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. However, to buy Ivermectin 12mg tablets, you must obtain a doctor’s prescription.

Uses of Ivermectin

Coming from the anthelmintic or antiparasitic class of the drug family, Ivermectin is primarily used to treat infections from parasites and other worms. Below are a few conditions that are treated with the use of Ivermectin:

• River blindness, also known as onchocerciasis. It is an eye infection that may lead to blindness, prevalent mainly in Africa.

• Strongyloidiasis, also called “Strongy” at times. It is an infection of the intestine.

• Effective against contagious skin infections known as Scabies. 

• It is used to treat a skin condition called Rosacea in adults.

• Treating head lice in children above 6 months and adults.

• Treating Ascariasis, an infection of the small intestines caused by roundworms.

• Lymphatic filariasis (Filariasis), commonly known as elephantiasis. It causes abnormal enlargement of lymph vessels and lymph nodes, causing pain and disability.

Ivermectin may also be prescribed to treat conditions not listed above.

Note: Many people have been using Ivermectin to treat the coronavirus. However, the FDA has not approved this treatment for COVID-19, as clinical research is still underway. Unapproved uses of Ivermectin may lead to serious consequences, so please consult your healthcare provider before taking this drug.

Mechanism of Ivermectin

As stated earlier, Ivermectin belongs to the antiparasitic drug category. Drugs in this category alter the functions of the nerves and muscles of parasites, paralyzing them by dismantling their guts, which ultimately leads to their death.

Precautions While Administering Ivermectin

If you have been prescribed Ivermectin for any condition, you must share the information below with your doctor before you start administering the medication.

• Please go through the list of ingredients, and if you are allergic to any of its active or inactive components, please inform your doctor. Also, inform your doctor of any other allergies you might have.

• The drug should be taken as prescribed by a healthcare expert. Do not change the dosage or treatment duration unless your doctor asks you to.

• Please share the list of drugs you might be taking, including prescription, non-prescription, herbal drugs, and health supplements.

• Please let your doctor know if you have HIV infection, AIDS, or a weak immune system.

• Inform your doctor if you have been diagnosed with kidney or liver ailments.

• Let your doctor know if you have recently traveled to West or Central Africa.

• If you are pregnant or planning to do the same. Please discuss with your doctor if Ivermectin is safe for you. However, it has not yet been determined if this drug impacts pregnancy or harms the unborn.

• Your healthcare provider will suggest whether this medication can be taken while you are nursing the baby. So, you must inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

• Do not share this medication with anybody, even if the symptoms are alike.

• Avoid consuming alcohol while on this drug, as it may cause adverse reactions.

• Store the medicine away from the reach of children, pets, and drug addicts.

Side Effects

The side effects of Ivermectin can be categorized into common and serious based on their severity. The common side effects do not need medical attention. The symptoms will wean off as the body gets accustomed to the drug. However, if they persist longer or worsen, please consult your doctor. A few of the common side effects of Ivermectin are mentioned as follows:

• Muscle pain or headache

• Nausea, dizziness

• Diarrhea, itching, and mild skin rash

The serious side effects of Ivermectin require immediate medical attention. So, if you witness any of the symptoms listed below, reach out for emergency medical help.

• Serious allergies such as swelling of the face, mouth, arms, and feet.

• Fast or irregular heartbeat, breathlessness, or chest pain.

• Seizure

• Vision change, blurry vision, or loss of vision

• A feeling of confusion, slurry speech, and coordination issues.

• Acute weakness or severe headache.

Conclusion

Ivermectin is an anthelmintic medication listed on the WHO’s list of essential medications. The FDA has approved it for treating parasitic infections, and it was one of the most prescribed medications in 2022. Although it has not been approved for treating COVID-19, people are using it. Many health agencies, such as the WHO and the US FDA, do not endorse the use of Ivermectin for treating COVID-19. Ivermectin is primarily prescribed to treat infections from parasites and worms, mainly Onchocerciasis and Strongyloidiasis. Please check with your doctor to know the correct dosage. The dosage will be recommended by the healthcare expert based on your age, weight, and medical condition. You must comply with your doctor’s advice, or the consequences may be dire.