Ivermectin is a broad spectrum antiparasitic medication belonging to the avermectin class of compounds. Oral ivermectin is used in human medicine for the treatment of specific parasitic infections and is particularly established for intestinal strongyloidiasis caused by Strongyloides stercoralis and onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, caused by Onchocerca volvulus.
Ivermectin produces its antiparasitic activity primarily by interacting with glutamate gated chloride channels found in the nerve and muscle cells of susceptible invertebrate parasites. This increases chloride ion permeability, causing hyperpolarization of parasite cells and ultimately producing paralysis and death of susceptible organisms.
These glutamate gated chloride channels are not present in humans, contributing to ivermectin’s selective activity against parasites when used at appropriate therapeutic exposures. Its activity against susceptible parasites has made ivermectin an established anthelmintic medication in both clinical and public health settings.
For strongyloidiasis, ivermectin targets intestinal stages of Strongyloides stercoralis. The parasite can maintain a persistent infection through an autoinfection cycle, making effective treatment particularly important in individuals at risk of chronic or disseminated disease. Current prescribing information recognizes oral ivermectin as an established treatment for intestinal strongyloidiasis. Ivermectin is also used for onchocerciasis, where treatment reduces microfilariae the immature form of Onchocerca volvulus within the skin and other tissues. It does not reliably eliminate adult worms, so additional treatment may sometimes be required according to medical guidance.
This product provides:
- Active Ingredient: Ivermectin
- Strength: 3mg per tablet
- Quantity: 4 Tablets
- Drug Class: Antiparasitic / Anthelmintic
- Dosage Form: Oral Tablet
- Common Uses: Treatment of susceptible parasitic infections
The 3mg tablet is an established human ivermectin strength. Health Canada lists STROMECTOL containing ivermectin 3mg per oral tablet as a prescription pharmaceutical product.
The amount of ivermectin required for established parasitic infections is generally determined according to body weight and the infection being treated, rather than simply by tablet strength. Current prescribing information uses weight based dosing for both strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, so treatment should be determined by a qualified healthcare professional.
Potential adverse effects can include dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, headache, and skin reactions. Some reactions can also result from the body’s inflammatory response to parasites being killed during treatment. Neurological toxicity has been reported in rare circumstances, and Health Canada has previously updated the STROMECTOL product monograph with additional neurological safety information, including reports of reduced consciousness and coma. Ivermectin is a prescription antiparasitic medication and should be used according to the directions of a qualified healthcare professional.
