Ivermectin Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings
Ivermectin is also known as: Stromectol
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 3, 2020.
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.
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.
References for pregnancy information
- "Product Information. Stromectol (ivermectin)." Merck & Co, Inc, West Point, PA.
- 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 87 (1993): 318
- Ette EI, Thomas WO, Achumba JI "Ivermectin: a long-acting microfilaricidal agent." DICP 24 (1990): 426-33
- Pacque M, Munoz B, Poetschke G, Foose J, Greene BM, Taylor HR "Pregnancy outcome after inadvertent ivermectin treatment during community-based distribution." Lancet 336 (1990): 1486-9
- Goa KL, McTavish D, Clissold SP "Ivermectin. A review of its antifilarial activity, pharmacokinetic properties and clinical efficacy in onchocerciasis." Drugs 42 (1991): 640-58
References for breastfeeding information
- Ogbuokiri JE, Ozumba BC, Okonkwo PO "Ivermectin levels in human breast milk." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 46 (1994): 89-90
- Ette EI, Thomas WO, Achumba JI "Ivermectin: a long-acting microfilaricidal agent." DICP 24 (1990): 426-33
- 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 10 (2008): 42-6
- Goa KL, McTavish D, Clissold SP "Ivermectin. A review of its antifilarial activity, pharmacokinetic properties and clinical efficacy in onchocerciasis." Drugs 42 (1991): 640-58
- "Product Information. Stromectol (ivermectin)." Merck & Co, Inc, West Point, PA.
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