Ivermectin for scabies
Examples
How It Works
Ivermectin is a prescription medication taken as a pill to kill
scabies
mites and their eggs. However, in the United States, treating scabies
with ivermectin is considered an
unlabeled use of the medication.
Why It Is Used
The role of using ivermectin to treat scabies remains unclear. More
study is needed to determine this medication's effectiveness and guidelines for
the amount that should be given.1
However, doctors may prescribe ivermectin to treat a scabies
infestation in certain situations.2
- People who have a severe or resistant form of
scabies infestation, such as
crusted (Norwegian) scabies, may be prescribed
ivermectin in combination with medication applied to the skin, such as
permethrin. It can be particularly helpful for treating
HIV-infected people who have scabies.
- A
pill form of medication may be preferred for some people who are unlikely to
use topical medicated creams or lotions properly. For example, ivermectin may
be the best medication choice for people with conditions that affect
intelligence, such as some people with Down syndrome.
- Ivermectin
may help get rid of or prevent scabies for people in group living situations,
such as those who live in nursing homes.
How Well It Works
A medication to treat a scabies infestation is successful when it
kills all scabies mites and eggs. More research is
needed to find out how effectively ivermectin kills scabies, the amount that
should be given, and in which cases it would be the preferred
treatment.2, 1
Side Effects
Limited data suggests that ivermectin treatment is safe for adults
and children who weigh more than
33 lb (15 kg).
Mild side effects may include:
- Stomach
upset.
- Vomiting.
- Increase in rash and itching during
the first 3 days of treatment.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Ivermectin is getting more attention in the medical community as a
treatment option for scabies. However, more testing is needed to confirm its
safety and to identify the people who would benefit most from it.
Complete the
new medication information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?)
to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
-
Stone SP (2003). Scabies and pediculosis. In IM
Freedberg et al., eds., Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General
Medicine, 6th ed., vol. 2, chap. 238, pp. 2283–2289. New York:
McGraw-Hill.
-
Mathieu ME, Wilson BB (2005). Scabies. In GL Mandell
et al., eds., Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and
Practices of Infectious Diseases, 6th ed., chap. 292, pp. 3304–3307.
Philadelphia: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
|
|
| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH | Last Updated: April 4, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
|
|
|
© 1995-2008, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
|
|