Stromectol Side Effects

Generic Name: ivermectin

Note: This page contains side effects data for the generic drug ivermectin. It is possible that some of the dosage forms included below may not apply to the brand name Stromectol.

In Summary

Common side effects of Stromectol include: fever, pruritus, and skin rash. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

For the Consumer

Applies to ivermectin: oral tablet

As well as its needed effects, ivermectin (the active ingredient contained in Stromectol) may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.

Severity: Moderate

If any of the following side effects occur while taking ivermectin, check with your doctor or nurse as soon as possible:

• Eye or eyelid irritation, pain, redness, or swelling

Minor Side Effects

Some ivermectin side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear. Your health care professional may be able to help you prevent or reduce these side effects, but do check with them if any of the following side effects continue, or if you are concerned about them:

• Fever, itching or skin rash
• joint or muscle pain
• painful and tender glands in neck, armpits, or groin
• rapid heartbeat

• Headache
• swelling of the face, hands, arms, feet, or legs

• Diarrhea
• dizziness
• skin rash or itching

• Lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position

• Loss of appetite
• shaking or trembling
• sleepiness

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to ivermectin: compounding powder, oral tablet

General

Ivermectin (the active ingredient contained in Stromectol) is well tolerated compared to other microfilaricidal agents (i.e., thiabendazole, diethylcarbamazine). Adverse reactions (i.e., pruritus, fever, rash, myalgia, headache) occur commonly during the first 3 days after treatment and appear to be related to the extent of parasitic infection and systemic mobilization and killing of microfilariae. The majority of reactions can usually be treated with aspirin, acetaminophen and/or antihistamines. Adverse effects tend to occur with lesser frequency during periods of retreatment.^[Ref]

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included eyelid edema, anterior uveitis, blurred vision, conjunctivitis, limbitis, punctate opacity, keratitis, abnormal sensation in the eyes, and chorioretinitis/choroiditis; however, these effects are also associated with the disease onchocerciasis. Loss of vision has occurred rarely but usually resolved without corticosteroid treatment. Conjunctival hemorrhage has been reported during postmarketing experience in patients treated for onchocerciasis.^[Ref]

Other

Worsening of Mazzotti reactions, including arthralgia, synovitis, lymph node enlargement and tenderness, pruritus, skin involvement (including edema, papular and pustular or frank urticarial rash), and fever, has been reported during the first 4 days following treatment for onchocerciasis.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included dizziness, headache, somnolence, vertigo, and tremor. Serious or fatal encephalopathy has been reported rarely in patients with onchocerciases, and heavily infected with Loa loa, either spontaneously or after treatment with ivermectin (the active ingredient contained in Stromectol) Seizures have been reported during postmarketing experience.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention.^[Ref]

Other

Other side effects have included asthenia, fatigue, abdominal pain, chest discomfort, facial edema, and peripheral edema.

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included decreased leukocyte count (3%), eosinophilia (3%), and increased hemoglobin (1%). Hematomatous swellings associated with prolonged prothrombin times have been reported, but the clinical significance is unknown. Leukopenia and anemia have been reported in at least one patient.^[Ref]

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included elevated ALT and/or AST. Elevated liver enzymes, elevated bilirubin, and hepatitis have been reported during postmarketing experience.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included tachycardia and orthostatic hypotension. EKG changes, including prolonged PR interval, flattened T waves and peaked T waves, have been reported in single cases. Hypotension (primarily orthostatic hypotension) has been reported during postmarketing experience.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included pruritus, rash, and urticaria. Toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported during postmarketing experience.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included worsening bronchial asthma, laryngeal edema, and dyspnea.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included myalgia.

Renal

Renal side effects have included rare transient proteinuria.^[Ref]

It is possible that some side effects of Stromectol may not have been reported. These can be reported to the FDA here. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.

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