Ivermectin Medications

Ivermectin is a macrocyclic lactone anthelmintic that has been in clinical use for more than three decades. It is the active ingredient in several branded products, including Stromectol and Mectizan, and is also widely available in generic form through our online pharmacy. The drug is primarily prescribed to treat infections caused by parasites such as Strongyloides stercoralis and Onchocerca volvulus. Its mechanism involves binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, leading to paralysis and death of the parasite. In addition to these approved uses, clinicians sometimes employ ivermectin off-label for conditions such as head lice and certain dermatological infestations, though such applications are not endorsed by regulatory agencies.

What is Ivermectin?

Ivermectin belongs to the class of antiparasitic agents known as macrocyclic lactones. The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) first approved the drug in 1995 for the treatment of onchocerciasis, with subsequent approvals for strongyloidiasis, scabies, and other parasitic diseases. Its molecular target is the glutamate-gated chloride ion channel, a receptor that exists predominantly in invertebrates. When ivermectin binds, it opens the channel, causing an influx of chloride ions, hyperpolarizing the cell membrane, and ultimately paralyzing the parasite. The drug is marketed globally under several brand names, and generic tablets are readily stocked by our online pharmacy.

How Ivermectin Works

Mechanism of Action

Ivermectin binds with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nerve and muscle cells of susceptible parasites. The resulting hyperpolarization prevents nerve impulse transmission, leading to rapid paralysis and death of the organism. Mammalian cells lack these specific channels, which accounts for the drug’s selective toxicity.

Therapeutic Effects

Paralysis of the parasite halts its migration through host tissues, allowing the immune system to clear the infection. In onchocerciasis, this translates into a reduction of skin and ocular microfilariae, decreasing the risk of blindness. For strongyloidiasis, the drug eradicates intestinal larvae, preventing disseminated disease in immunocompromised patients.

Onset and Duration

Clinical trials show that plasma concentrations peak within 4-6 hours after oral administration, with the antiparasitic effect evident within 24 hours. The pharmacologic effect persists for 2-5 days, aligning with the drug’s half-life of 12-36 hours, which allows once-daily or single-dose regimens for most indications.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

• Onchocerciasis (river blindness): Recommended as a single oral dose of 150 µg/kg, administered under the supervision of a qualified health professional (TGA).
• Strongyloidiasis: Typically 200 µg/kg daily for 1-2 days, according to the TGA label.
• Scabies (including crusted scabies): 200 µg/kg per day for 2-3 days, sometimes combined with topical agents.
• Other parasitic infections: Including cutaneous larva migrans and helminthic infections of the gastrointestinal tract, as endorsed in the Australian Medicines Handbook.

Off-Label Uses

Although not approved by the TGA, ivermectin has been investigated for viral infections such as COVID-19, and for certain dermatologic conditions like rosacea. These uses lack regulatory endorsement and should only be considered within clinical trials or specialist care.

Clinical Efficacy

A pivotal randomized trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated a 92 % parasitological cure rate for onchocerciasis after a single dose. In strongyloidiasis, a meta-analysis in The Lancet reported a 94 % eradication rate with the approved dosing schedule. For scabies, a double-blind study showed a 78 % clinical cure after a three-day course compared with 48 % for placebo.

Buying Ivermectin from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Our online pharmacy eliminates geographic barriers and long pharmacy queues, delivering quality-assured medication directly to your door. We partner with licensed international distributors who comply with TGA-mandated GMP standards, ensuring each tablet meets stringent potency and purity criteria.

Brand Names and Generic Options

• Stromectol ® (brand)
• Mectizan ® (brand for onchocerciasis)
• Generic ivermectin tablets (150 µg, 200 µg)

Generic versions cost up to 60 % less than branded packs, providing an affordable alternative for long-term treatment.

Quality & Safety

We work with accredited suppliers that follow WHO-certified manufacturing processes and the TGA’s import requirements, guaranteeing that every bottle meets the same safety profile as domestically sourced products.

Pricing & Access

Customers enjoy competitive pricing with a “Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders.” The platform accepts major Australian payment methods and offers secure, encrypted checkout.

Discreet Delivery

Standard shipping arrives within three weeks, while express delivery reaches most Australian postcodes in about seven days. Every package is placed in unmarked, tamper-evident packaging to protect your privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

• Tablets: 3 mg, 6 mg, 12 mg tablets.
• Oral solution: 1 mg/mL (for pediatric or swallowing-difficulty cases).

Typical Dosing Ranges

• Onchocerciasis: 150 µg/kg as a single dose.
• Strongyloidiasis: 200 µg/kg once daily for 1-2 days.
• Scabies: 200 µg/kg daily for 2-3 days.

These ranges reflect common clinical practice; a healthcare professional will adjust dose based on weight, comorbidities, and renal or hepatic function.

Administration Guidelines

Take the tablet with a full glass of water on an empty stomach for optimal absorption; food can reduce bioavailability by up to 20 %. Do not crush or chew extended-release forms. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered, unless the next scheduled dose is near, in which case skip the missed one.

A qualified clinician must determine the exact regimen for each patient.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

• Nausea (≈12 % of patients)
• Diarrhea (≈10 %)
• Dizziness (≈8 %)
• Pruritus at the administration site (≈6 %)

These events are typically mild and resolve without intervention.

Serious Adverse Events

• Neurologic toxicity: Rare cases of ataxia, seizures, or altered mental status, especially at high doses or in patients with blood-brain barrier dysfunction.
• Hepatotoxicity: Elevated transaminases reported in <1 % of treated individuals.
• Severe hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis has been documented but is extremely uncommon.

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to ivermectin or any excipients.
• Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C).
• Concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors when high doses are required.

Drug Interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) can raise ivermectin plasma levels, increasing toxicity risk.
• P-glycoprotein substrates (e.g., digoxin) may have altered clearance.
• Other antiparasitics that share metabolism pathways should be staggered to avoid cumulative toxicity.

Special Populations

• Pregnancy: Limited data; the TGA advises use only when the benefit outweighs potential risk.
• Breastfeeding: Small amounts are excreted in milk; clinicians generally recommend caution.
• Elderly: Dose adjustments may be needed for reduced hepatic function.
• Renal impairment: No dose reduction required for mild to moderate renal dysfunction, but severe disease warrants careful monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does ivermectin differ from albendazole? Ivermectin targets glutamate-gated chloride channels, whereas albendazole inhibits microtubule synthesis. The two agents have distinct spectra of activity and are chosen based on the specific parasite involved.

• How long before ivermectin produces noticeable effects for strongyloidiasis? Most patients report symptom improvement within 24-48 hours, with parasite clearance confirmed by stool microscopy after 7-10 days.

• What should I do if I experience dizziness after taking ivermectin? Sit or lie down, stay hydrated, and contact a healthcare professional if the sensation persists for more than an hour or is accompanied by vision changes.

• Can I take ivermectin with food? A high-fat meal can lower peak concentration by up to 20 %; for consistent absorption, swallow the tablet with water on an empty stomach.

• Is ivermectin safe for long-term use? Long-term safety data are limited; most studies evaluate short courses. Extended therapy should only proceed under specialist supervision.

• Are there any foods I must avoid while on ivermectin? No specific dietary restrictions exist, but avoid grapefruit juice if you are also taking CYP3A4 inhibitors, as it may increase ivermectin levels.

• Why do some people experience a rash after the first dose? Mild pruritus or urticaria can reflect a mild hypersensitivity reaction; most resolve without treatment, but seek medical advice if the rash spreads or is painful.

• What information should I provide my doctor when discussing ivermectin?

  • Complete list of current prescription and over-the-counter medications, including herbal supplements.
  • History of liver or kidney disease, and any known drug allergies.
  • Specific symptoms, duration of infection, and prior antiparasitic treatments.
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding status, if applicable.

Disclaimer

The information provided about ivermectin is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing ivermectin for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing ivermectin.

External Resources about Ivermectin

• Ivermectin patient medication flyer Karen - Department of Health
• ivermectin | healthdirect
• Attachment 1. Product Information for Ivermectin
• Ivermectin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings - Drugs.com
• Ivermectin (oral route) - Side effects & dosage - Mayo Clinic
• Ivermectin (Stromectol): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD
• Ivermectin (Systemic - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Patient Information Leaflet - Ivermectin - My Medicines
• Ivermectin dosage guide: Form, strength, when to take, and more