Ivermectine Sigillata (Ivermectin)

Ivermectin is an oral antiparasitic that targets a variety of helminth and ectoparasite infections.

• Onchocerciasis (river blindness): reduces microfilarial load and helps prevent disease progression.
• Strongyloidiasis: eliminates intestinal larvae and prevents disseminated infection.
• Scabies: eradicates Sarcoptes scabiei mites, relieving itching and skin lesions.
• Pediculosis (lice infestation): kills head and body lice, interrupting the life cycle.
• Other intestinal helminth infections: treats infections such as ascariasis and hookworm by killing adult worms.

• Ivermectin binds selectively to glutamate‑gated chloride channels in the nerve and muscle cells of invertebrates. This binding increases chloride ion permeability, causing hyperpolarization, paralysis, and eventual death of the parasite. Mammalian cells lack these channels, providing a high degree of selectivity for the parasite over human tissue.

Ivermectin may be associated with a range of adverse reactions, which are generally classified by frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness: transient light‑headedness.
• Nausea: mild stomach upset.
• Diarrhea: loose stools after dosing.
• Fatigue: general tiredness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe skin reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Neurological events: seizures or encephalopathy.
• Hepatotoxicity: significant elevation of liver enzymes.
• Visual disturbances: optic neuritis or blurred vision.

When prescribing ivermectin, clinicians should consider several safety measures to minimize risk.

• Assess for co‑existing CNS disorders: avoid in patients with known seizures.
• Review concomitant medications: evaluate for interactions that affect CYP3A4.
• Pregnancy and lactation: use only if potential benefit outweighs risk