Ivermectin
इवेर्मेक्टिन
What it is
Ivermectin is a medicine used to treat certain parasitic worm infections. It requires a prescription in India.
What it is used for
Ivermectin is used to treat two specific conditions: strongyloidiasis, which is an infection caused by worms in the intestines, and onchocerciasis, which is an infection caused by worms that develop in the body.
- Strongyloidiasis of the intestinal tract
- Onchocerciasis
How it works
Ivermectin works by killing the worms that cause these infections. For strongyloidiasis, it kills the worms in the intestines. For onchocerciasis, it kills the developing worms in the body.
How it is sold in India
In India Ivermectin comes as tablets, suspension, syrup and cream.
Common side effects
Most people have no side effects when taking ivermectin. However, some people may experience serious side effects such as alteration of consciousness, confusion, disorientation, and in rare cases, death.
See a doctor straight away if
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience neurotoxicity, Mazzotti reactions, or postural hypotension while taking ivermectin.
Who should not take it
Do not take ivermectin if you are allergic to it, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ivermectin tablets. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while you are taking ivermectin. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had conditions that affect your immune system, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or any other medical condition. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you are taking ivermectin for onchocerciasis, you should know that you may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. If you are taking ivermectin for strongyloidiasis and have had loiasis (Loa loa infection with a type of worm that causes skin and eye problems) or if you have ever lived in or traveled to areas of West or Central Africa where loiasis is common, you should know that you may have a serious reaction.
Questions people ask
Is it safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Consult your doctor before taking ivermectin if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Does it make you sleepy?
Ivermectin may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid activities that require alertness until you know how it affects you.
Brand names
728 medicines sold in India contain Ivermectin.
Brands sold in India include Ivermectol, Ivrix, Iverintas, Lupimectin, Ascapil Mono, Iveloc, Vermact, Ivernew. Whichever name is on the strip, the medicine inside is the one described on this page.
Where this comes from
We do not publish doses. How much to take depends on your age, weight and other conditions — ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This page is general information, not medical advice, and it is not a substitute for seeing a doctor. It carries no dosage and no prices.