Ivermectin (Stromectol): How To Take, Warnings, Uses for COVID Patients

Ivermectin or Stromectol generic is an anti-parasitic drug from which a cure against Coronavirus could emerge. If the ongoing trial in Australia is confirmed, Stromectol would be able to kill the virus in 48 hours, halving its viral load already in the first 24.

But what is this drug and how does it work? Its active ingredient, ivermectin, is used against head lice infestations, scabies, onchocerciasis, strongyloidosis and lymphatic filariasis. It can be taken by mouth or applied directly to the skin, while avoiding contact with the eyes. dermatological field, in the form of skin cream, is used for the treatment of rosacea. It is also widely used in the veterinary field for the treatment of heartworm disease in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, buffaloes and pigs. Ivermectin was discovered in 1975 and entered medical practice in 1981.

Research carried out in recent years supports the use of Stromectol against mites such as those of scabies, lice and bed bugs; it has also been studied as a potential antiviral agent against chikungunya virus and yellow fever.

Ivermectin is an anthelmintic drug that eradicates or promotes the expulsion of worms and intestinal parasites. In the case of strongyloidosis, Stromectol eliminates the parasite, while in the case of onchocerciasis it kills only the micro filariae, the developing worms, but not those in the adult stage.

What is Ivermectin generic used for?

Stromectol is used to treat strongyloidosis caused by the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis and to control onchocercosis caused by the nematode Onchocerca volvulus. Sometimes it is also used in the treatment of other parasites, such as pediculosis and scabies.

How is Ivermectin taken?

Stromectol is taken orally, usually in the form of a single tablet to be swallowed with water, on an empty stomach. In case of onchocerciasis, new doses may be prescribed 3, 6 or 12 months after the first treatment.

Recognized side effects

Possible side effects of Stromectol include:

• dizziness
• loss of appetite,
• nausea,
• vmiting,
• stomach swelling or pain,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• weakness,
• drowsiness,
• uncontrollable tremors,
• chest discomfort,
• swelling of the eyes, face, arms, hands, feet, ankles or calves,
• joint pain,
• joint swelling
• swelling and pain in the glands in the neck, armpits or groin,
• rapid heartbeat,
• redness, tears or eye pain,
• swelling of the eyelids or eyes,
• strange sensations in the eyes.

It is good to consult your doctor immediately in case of:

• fever,
• blistering or peeling,
• skin rash,
• urticaria,
• itching

Warnings

The treatment of strongyloidosis with Stromectol involves, in the three months following the taking of the drug, at least three stool tests to verify its effectiveness. In the case of onchocerciasis, the treatment can cause dizziness and fainting when rising from a sitting or lying position and therefore special care should be taken.

Before starting the intake of Stromectol it is necessary to inform the doctor:

• allergies to the active ingredient or to any other drug,
• taking medicines, herbal medicines and supplements, in particular anxiolytics, psychotropic drugs, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, sedatives, sleeping drugs or tranquilizers,
• if you suffer (or have suffered) from meningitis, trypanosomiasis or disorders that affect the functioning of the immune system,
• if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dosages of Stromectol capsules in prophylaxis and treatment

While for veterinary use doses of a few micrograms are used (one thousandth of a milligram), in human use the doses are higher (milligrams). The following dosages are suggested for high risk subjects with post-exposure to COVID-19. In the following text, “dose” means both Stromectol capsules, tablets or other pharmaceutical dose that the pharmacist can prepare in the galenic laboratory.

Stromectol for prophylaxis of high-risk subjects:

• Dose: 0.2 mg / kg.
• One dose on day 1 and day 3, then take one weekly dose for 10 weeks, then one dose every 2 weeks.
• Example for a 70 kg body weight person: 70 kg × 0.2 mg = 14 mg.
• Take on an empty stomach with water.

Stromectol for post-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19

To be used if a family member has tested positive for COVID-19 or if you have prolonged exposure to a patient positive for COVID-19 without wearing a mask.

• Dose: 0.2 mg / kg.
• One dose on day 1 and day 3.
• Example for a 63.8 kg body weight person: 63.8 kg × 0.2 mg = 12.76 mg.
• Take on an empty stomach with water.

Stromectol for hospital treatment of patients infected with COVID-19

• Dose: 0.3 mg / kg.
• One dose per day for 5 days
• Example for a 70.8 kg body weight person: 70.8 kg × 0.3 mg = 21.24 mg.

Patients can buy Ivermectin capsules thanks to the possibility of purchasing pure, pharmaceutical grade ivermectin, allowed for the use in humans. Using this active substance, pharmacist can prepare the galenic drug for corresponding human use, such as

• Stromectol capsules
• Stromectol tablets
• Stromectol syrup

which can be:

• prepared in any dosage required, with precision to the milligram, which is fundamental for ivermectin against COVID as it is a toxic substance if taken improperly
• calculated to minimize side or unwanted effects thanks to an extremely personalized dosage (up to a tenth of a milligram, if desired)
• prepared in any quantity (e.g. 10 capsules, 20 capsules, 100 capsules, etc.) in order to cover all the therapy according to the protocols
• made without excipients to which the patient is allergic or intolerant (e.g. lactose, gluten, etc)

Regarding the first point, the fundamental importance of a qualified pharmacist is emphasized in ensuring that the active principle is homogeneously and uniformly mixed in the excipients, in order to avoid side effects for patients.

Stromectol for human use is a substance classified as “poison” having a very low therapeutic index. For this reason it requires a non-repeatable medical prescription with the formalisms of poisons. In addition, since there are no industrial medicines registered for the therapeutic indication in the COVID, it will be necessary to draw up an off-label, showing:

• numeric or alphanumeric code in place of the patient’s name and surname (eg “Paz001”)
• dosage in all letters of Stromectol against COVID (eg. “Twelve milligrams”)
• dosage (eg “1 capsule every 2 weeks”)
• reason for the prescription (eg. “COVID therapy”)

Being off-label, your doctor must acquire the patient’s informed consent.

Obviously, nothing prevents doctor from prescribing ivermectin capsules or other pharmaceutical forms (eg cream) for human use for approved therapeutic indications (eg rosacea, scabies). In this case it will NOT be an off-label prescription, but a simple recipe that cannot be repeated with the formalisms of poisons, that is, showing:

• name and surname or tax code of the patient
• dosage in all letters of ivermectin against COVID (eg. “Twelve milligrams”)
• dosage (eg “1 capsule every 2 weeks”)

Disclaimer

The information uncovered in this article has been compiled with the educational purposes only. The team of authors provides the fact checking before posting any kind of information on this website. But the site’s administration does not guarantee correctness and/or update status of all contents in this article. This article can be taken as a guidance for self-treatment. Only licensed and professional healthcare specialist can diagnose and treat patients considering the personal symptoms in each particular case.