Ivermectin

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jun 28, 2024

Pros & Cons


Ivermectin (Stromectol) Pros and Cons

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  • You only need to take one dose of ivermectin tablets.
  • There is a lower-cost generic available.
  • Side effects are rare when ivermectin is used to treat parasitic worms in the intestines.
  • Ivermectin is safe for children weighing more than 15 kilograms (33 pounds).
  • This drug has been safely used to treat parasitic diseases in hundreds of millions of humans and animals.

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  • You need to get stool exams for several months after taking ivermectin to check for parasitic worms and confirm that the strongyloidiasis infection has cleared.
  • Ivermectin can cause many side effects when it is prescribed for river blindness.
  • You may need to take ivermectin every few months for years if you have river blindness.
  • Higher doses may be highly toxic.