In the United States, treating scabies with ivermectin is
considered an
unlabeled use of the medicine.
Ivermectin is a prescription medicine
taken as a pill to kill
scabies mites and their eggs.
Doctors may prescribe ivermectin to
treat a scabies infestation in certain situations.
- People who have a severe or resistant form of
scabies infestation, such as
crusted (Norwegian) scabies, may be prescribed
ivermectin in combination with medicine applied to the skin, such as
permethrin. It can be especially helpful for treating
HIV-infected people who have scabies.
- A
pill form of medicine may be preferred for some people who are unlikely to use
topical medicated creams or lotions properly.
- Ivermectin may help get rid
of or prevent scabies for people in group living situations, such as those who
live in nursing homes.
Ivermectin is usually not used for children younger than 5
or for pregnant women, because its safety in these children is not known.
1
Ivermectin is effective for treating
scabies.
2
One dose may be
all that is needed, although sometimes a second dose is given a week or two
later.
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have:
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Stomach
upset.
- Vomiting.
- Increase in rash and itching during
the first 3 days of treatment.
- Fatigue.
- Dizziness.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
Take this medicine on an empty stomach with a glass of water.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
Women who use this medicine during pregnancy have a slightly higher chance of having a baby with birth defects. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, you and your doctor must weigh the risks of using this medicine against the risks of not treating your condition.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?)
to help you understand this medication.
Citations
-
Burkhart CN, Burkhart CG (2012). Scabies, other mites, and pediculosis. In LA Goldman et al., eds., Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 8th ed., vol. 2, pp. 2569–2578. New York: McGraw-Hill.
-
Johnstone P, Strong M (2008). Scabies, search date
October 2007. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence
:
http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
|
By
| Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
| Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
| John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
|
Last Revised
| January 23, 2013 |
Burkhart CN, Burkhart CG (2012). Scabies, other mites, and pediculosis. In LA Goldman et al., eds., Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 8th ed., vol. 2, pp. 2569–2578. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Johnstone P, Strong M (2008). Scabies, search date
October 2007. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence:
http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
