Stromectol

What is it?

Composition

Stromectol is available in tablet form, each containing 3 mg of the active substance - ivermectin. Excipients of the drug include:

• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Pregelatinized starch
• Magnesium stearate
• Butylhydroxyanisole
• Anhydrous citric acid

These excipients ensure the stability, form and digestibility of the drug

How to use?

Stromectol is intended for oral administration and requires strict adherence to the doctors instructions. The drug is usually taken on an empty stomach with plenty of water. The standard dosage is determined based on the patients body weight and the severity of the disease.

Recommended order of administration:

1. Weigh the patient to accurately calculate the dose (usually 200 mcg of ivermectin per kilogram of body weight).
2. Take the tablet on an empty stomach, at least one hour before meals or two hours after.
3. If necessary, repeat the dose after a certain period of time, as recommended by the doctor, to completely eliminate the infection.

If a repeat dose is prescribed, it is important to strictly adhere to the time intervals to avoid side effects and maximize the effectiveness of the therapy.

How does it work?

Stromectol acts by acting directly on the nervous and muscular systems of parasites. The active substance ivermectin binds to specific channels in cell membranes that depend on glutamate. This leads to an increased influx of chloride ions, which causes paralysis of the parasite and its death. As a result, the patients body can gradually remove dead parasites.

The mechanism of action of the drug explains its high effectiveness against nematodes and some types of external parasites, such as scabies mites. Stromectol is selective, since humans do not have glutamate-dependent channels, so its action is directed only at pathogens.

Indications

Stromectol is used for a wide range of diseases caused by parasites. The main indications are related to the treatment of infections caused by nematodes and ectoparasites. The drug is successfully used to combat diseases both in regions with high endemicity and in travelers. The application covers the following conditions:

• Onchocerciasis (river blindness) is a chronic disease caused by the parasite Onchocerca volvulus.
• Strongyloidiasis of the intestine is an infection caused by the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis.
• Lymphatic filariasis is a disease caused by thread-like nematodes that affect the lymphatic vessels.
• Scabies is a skin disease caused by scabies mites.
• Necatoriasis and ascariasis are helminthiasis caused by various intestinal parasites.

The drug can be prescribed as monotherapy or as part of a complex treatment, depending on the characteristics of the disease.

Contraindications

Stromectol has a number of contraindications that should be taken into account when prescribing treatment. First of all, the drug should not be taken by patients with individual intolerance to the active substance or auxiliary components. There are also restrictions associated with certain conditions of the body.

The main contraindications include:

• Allergy to ivermectin or other components of the drug.
• Age under 5 years or body weight less than 15 kg (due to the lack of safety data).
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless the doctor assesses the risk as acceptable.
• Severe liver disease, since the drug is metabolized in this organ.
• Some infections, such as meningitis, require a special approach to treatment.

Before starting therapy, you must inform your doctor about all chronic diseases, medications taken and possible allergic reactions. This will minimize the risk of unwanted consequences.

Side effects

Like any medicine, Stromectol can cause side effects. Most of them are related to the bodys reaction to the removal of dead parasites or to the individual sensitivity of the patient to the components of the drug. However, most side effects are temporary and go away on their own.

Possible side effects include:

• Headaches, dizziness, or weakness.
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Allergic reactions: itching, skin rashes, or swelling.
• Pain in the joints or muscles.
• Fever and swollen lymph nodes (especially when treating onchocerciasis).

In rare cases, serious side effects are possible, such as visual impairment or neurological symptoms. If you notice severe or unusual reactions, you should immediately consult a doctor.