Ivermectin Data - Uses, Dosage, Drug class, Brand name, Warnings, etc

Pharmacology	Ivermectin, a semisynthetic anthelmintic, binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, increasing cellular permeability, causing hyperpolarization, paralysis, and death of the parasite. It is effective against various parasitic infestations.
Administration and Adult Dosage	- PO for strongyloidiasis: 200 µg/kg/day for 1–2 days - PO for onchocerciasis: 150 µg/kg once, repeat every 3–12 months until asymptomatic - *PO for Mansonella streptocerca:* 150 µg/kg once - PO for pediculosis (head/pubic lice) or scabies: 200 µg/kg once - PO for cutaneous larva migrans: 200 µg/kg/day for 1–2 days
Special Populations - Pediatric Dosage	- <15 kg: Safety and efficacy not established - ≥15 kg: Same as adult dosage
Special Populations - Geriatric Dosage	Same as adult dosage.
Dosage Forms	- Tablet: 6 mg
Pharmacokinetics - Fate	- Absorption: Well absorbed orally - Distribution: Does not enter the CNS - Metabolism: Primarily hepatic - Excretion: Mostly in feces as drug and metabolites; <1% unchanged in urine
Pharmacokinetics - t¹⁄₂	- ~16 hr
Adverse Reactions & Side Effects	Frequent: - Abdominal pain, chest pain, dizziness, pruritus, rash, urticaria, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting Onchocerciasis-specific: - Severe cutaneous reactions, fever, lymph node swelling/tenderness, edema, arthralgia due to dead/dying larvae - Ocular effects: Limbitis, punctate opacity
Precautions & Warnings	- Use cautiously in pregnancy
Notes	- Drug of choice for strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis - Alternative treatment for pediculosis, scabies, cutaneous larva migrans, and Mansonella streptocerca

References

Hand of Clinical Drug Data