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Ivermectin Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Stromectol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 3, 2024.

Ivermectin Pregnancy Warnings

Two cases of the use of ivermectin during pregnancy have been reported. These reports found that the risk of fetal damage in pregnant women treated with ivermectin was no greater than control. The risk versus benefit should be considered in pregnant women heavily infected with parasites, especially during mass distribution of ivermectin in endemic areas. The advantage of treatment may outweigh any potential risk to the infant.

Ivermectin has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Animal studies have revealed evidence of teratogenicity, but at doses that were also maternotoxic to the pregnant female. The manufacturer considers ivermectin contraindicated during pregnancy.

See references

Ivermectin Breastfeeding Warnings

Ivermectin is excreted into human milk in low concentrations. The manufacturer recommends that treatment during nursing only occur if the risk of delayed treatment to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the infant.

One review article recommends the use of ivermectin in lactating women after the infant is 7 days old.

See references

See also

References for pregnancy information

  1. Pacque M, Munoz B, Poetschke G, Foose J, Greene BM, Taylor HR. Pregnancy outcome after inadvertent ivermectin treatment during community-based distribution. Lancet. 1990;336:1486-9.
  2. Goa KL, McTavish D, Clissold SP. Ivermectin. A review of its antifilarial activity, pharmacokinetic properties and clinical efficacy in onchocerciasis. Drugs. 1991;42:640-58.
  3. Chippaux JP, Gardon-Wendel N, Gardon J, Ernould JC. Absence of any adverse effect of inadvertent ivermectin treatment during pregnancy. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 1993;87:318.
  4. Ette EI, Thomas WO, Achumba JI. Ivermectin: a long-acting microfilaricidal agent. DICP. 1990;24:426-33.
  5. Product Information. Stromectol (ivermectin). Merck & Co., Inc. 2001;PROD.

References for breastfeeding information

  1. Goa KL, McTavish D, Clissold SP. Ivermectin. A review of its antifilarial activity, pharmacokinetic properties and clinical efficacy in onchocerciasis. Drugs. 1991;42:640-58.
  2. Ogbuokiri JE, Ozumba BC, Okonkwo PO. Ivermectin levels in human breast milk. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1994;46:89-90.
  3. Ette EI, Thomas WO, Achumba JI. Ivermectin: a long-acting microfilaricidal agent. DICP. 1990;24:426-33.
  4. Product Information. Stromectol (ivermectin). Merck & Co., Inc. 2001;PROD.
  5. Gonzalez Canga A, Sahagun Prieto AM, Diez Liebana MJ, Fernandez Martinez N, Sierra Vega M, Garcia Vieitez JJ. The pharmacokinetics and interactions of ivermectin in humans--a mini-review. AAPS J. 2008;10:42-6.

Further information

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