You may have probably heard of Stromectol or Ivermectin in the last few years, when it was widely discussed in the context of viral illnesses. Still, you may not fully understand what Stromectol is, its purpose, working mechanism, or when it should be used. Is Stromectol Ivermectin? Stromectol is widely recognised as an antiparasitic medication containing Ivermectin as the active ingredient.
If this medication is new to you and you want clear information or a beginner’s guide, continue reading to help you find the answers and clarify your basics about Stromectol. This information guide is intended for basic knowledge purposes only and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.
Understanding Stromectol
What is Stromectol? Stromectol is a brand name for the medicine Ivermectin, a medication originally discovered to treat parasitic infections in humans. Ivermectin belongs to a group of drugs called anthelmintics, which kill or paralyse the parasite, thus eliminating it from the body. The drug was first approved for its antiparasitic effects in humans in the late 1980s. Moreover, Ivermectin is also included in the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) list of essential medicines, highlighting its importance in the global platform.
Purpose of using Stromectol
Stromectol uses: Stromectol is an antiparasitic medicine used to treat the following conditions:
- Intestinal strongyloidiasis – Strongyloidiasis is an infection in the gut, also known as intestinal strongyloidiasis. It is caused by a type of worm called Strongyloides stercoralis, a tiny worm that is barely visible to the naked eye. You may be exposed to the roundworm when your skin has direct contact with contaminated soil. Young worms penetrate the skin and travel via the bloodstream to the lungs and up to the large airways. The worms are then swallowed and burrow themselves into the intestinal wall. Adult roundworms start producing eggs in the intestines.
- Onchocerciasis – Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, is a disease caused by encountering the parasitic worm, Onchocerca volvulus. The infection spread to humans through repeated bites of infected blackflies. These blackflies breed in rapidly flowing rivers. The blackfly vector ingests immature worms when it bites an infected person.
- Scabies – Also known as “skin mites,” it occurs when tiny mites burrow under the skin. This can contribute to a rash-like reaction, which can be extremely itchy and uncomfortable for the patient. Scabies is defined as an infectious disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which is barely visible to the human eye. The infection is almost always transmitted to another individual through close contact.
Where to buy Stromectol – After receiving a prescription from your healthcare provider, you can purchase Stromectol from a reputable website that delivers authentic medications at competitive prices.
Mechanism of action
Belonging to the group of anthelmintics, Stromectol (Ivermectin) targets the nervous system of parasites. It adheres to the nerve and muscle cells of the parasites, leading to their death. The selective action is what makes this medication effective and generally safe when used correctly. How long does Stromectol take to work? This antiparasitic medication makes you feel better quite quickly. However, you should continue taking the medication even if your symptoms are resolved for as long as it is prescribed to you.
Dosage and administration
How to take Stromectol? Well, it is taken orally. Stromectol dosage usually depends on the severity of your infection, your weight, and height. It is generally recommended to take the medication with a glass of water.
For children less than six years of age, the tablet should be crushed before swallowing. Consider taking all the tablets your healthcare professional has prescribed at once, with a glass of water, on an empty stomach. You are not allowed to eat food within two hours before or after consuming the tablets. This is because it is still unclear whether the food affects how your body absorbs the medicine. For best results, it is essential to take it exactly as directed by your healthcare professional. Proper adherence to treatment ensures the complete elimination of parasites, prevents reinfection, and decreases the risk of treatment failure. However, if no improvement is noticed after taking the medication, call your healthcare provider straight away. To experience the beneficial effects of the medicine, ensure you consume enough fluids and limit your caffeine intake. If you have any doubts regarding Stromectol uses, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
Who cannot use Stromectol?
Stromectol should not be used during pregnancy, since the safety of the antiparasitic drug in pregnant women has not been established. Therefore, before taking it, you should ask your healthcare specialist for advice if you are pregnant during the treatment. Stromectol is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited evidence suggests that the medication may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby. Ivermectin may cause side effects that could affect your ability to drive. Stromectol is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any component of the medication. Consult a healthcare specialist before taking your medicine if you have a weakened immune system or have lived in or spent time in areas of Africa. The use of DEC (diethylcarbamazine citrate) if you are infected with Onchocerca volvulus may increase the risk of side effects, which may sometimes be serious. It is not known if it is safe to use Stromectol in children who weigh under 15 kg. Let your healthcare provider know of all the medications you are taking, have recently taken, or might have taken in the past.
What are the possible side effects?
Stromectol is generally safe, with minimal or no side effects. Your healthcare specialist may perform stool and blood tests after you take them to check whether the infection has been eliminated from your body. Stromectol side effects are generally not severe and typically do not last long. They may be more likely to occur in those infected with several parasites. The risk of having side effects is high if the person has Loa loa. The general side effects that may occur with the use of Ivermectin include liver disease, blood in the urine, and changes in certain laboratory tests (increased bilirubin in the blood, increased liver enzymes, and increased eosinophils). Patients may get an allergic reaction to the medication. The signs may include sudden skin reactions (such as rash or itching) or other serious skin reactions, sudden fever, and trouble breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these Stromectol side effects.
- People with intestinal strongyloidiasis may experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dizziness, unusual weakness, shaking, or tremors.
- People with scabies may experience intense itching that worsens during the initial stages of treatment. The side effects typically do not last long.
- People with a worm infection, Loa loa, may develop neck or back pain, abnormal brain function, shortness of breath, difficulty standing or walking, feeling drowsy or confused, loss of control of their bladder or bowel, bleeding in the whites of their eyes, mental status changes, or a state of coma.
People with onchocerciasis may experience itching or rash, fever, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, or feeling tired, a fast heart rate, swelling of lymph nodes, low blood pressure, changes to their vision, or swelling, especially in the hands, ankles, or feet. If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your healthcare professional straight away.
Verdict!
Stromectol contains the active ingredient Ivermectin, belonging to a class of medications known as anthelmintics, which bind to nerve and muscle cells. It helps to treat many types of parasitic infections, including river blindness, intestinal infections, scabies, and some other worm infections. Stromectol is effective when used at the dose and duration advised by the healthcare professional. For the permanent elimination of the worm infection, it is essential to take the medicine as directed, without skipping any doses.
