Stromectol Side Effects

Generic name: ivermectin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 15, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Stromectol Side Effects associated with ivermectin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Stromectol.

Applies to ivermectin: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure that the infection is cleared up completely. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

If you are being treated for river blindness, you may need retreatment and surgery to kill the adult parasite. You will need to see your doctor for follow up care.

If you are being treated for an intestinal infection from threadworms. You will need to have your bowel movements tested to make sure that the infection is gone. It is very important that you have these tests done as often as your doctor orders.

If your symptoms do not improve, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause eye, skin, or other serious reactions (eg, Mazzotti reaction), in patients treated for river blindness. Check with your doctor right away if you have eye or eyelid irritation, pain, redness, or swelling, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse, fever, itching or skin rash, joint or muscle pain, stomach pain, swelling of hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs, swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in neck, armpit, or groin, unusual tiredness or weakness.

This medicine may cause serious brain and nerve problems. Check with your doctor right away if you have change in consciousness, confusion about identity, place, and time, decreased awareness or responsiveness, loss of consciousness, or severe sleepiness.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Stromectol

Along with its needed effects, ivermectin (the active ingredient contained in Stromectol) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ivermectin:

More common side effects

• difficulty in moving
• muscle pain or stiffness
• pain in the joints
• swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the armpit

Less common side effects

• black, tarry stools
• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• chest pain
• chills
• cold sweats
• cough
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from lying or sitting position
• eye or eyelid irritation, pain, redness, or swelling
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• fever
• painful or difficult urination
• rapid weight gain
• sensation of spinning
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• swollen glands
• tingling of the hands or feet
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• trouble breathing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual sleepiness
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusual weight gain or loss

Rare side effects

• agitation
• back pain
• bloody eye
• blurred vision
• change in consciousness
• confusion
• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• difficulty in standing or walking
• hallucinations
• headache
• irritability
• loss of bladder control
• loss of bowel control
• loss of consciousness
• mood or mental changes
• redness of the eye
• seizures
• stiff neck
• unusual dullness or feeling of sluggishness
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• change in consciousness
• confusion about identity, place, and time
• dark urine
• diarrhea
• discharge, excessive tearing
• light-colored stools
• loss of consciousness
• red skin lesion often with a purple center
• sensitivity of the eye to light
• swelling of the eyelids
• tearing
• upper right abdominal or stomach pain
• yellow eyes and skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking ivermectin:

Symptoms of overdose

• confusion about identity, place, and time
• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• severe sleepiness

Other side effects of Stromectol

Some side effects of ivermectin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• constipation
• lack or loss of strength
• loss of appetite
• stomach pain
• swelling or puffiness of the face

See also:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ivermectin: compounding powder, oral tablet.

General adverse events

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]

Frequently asked questions

• Can ivermectin be used to treat COVID-19?
• How long does it take for ivermectin to kill head lice?
• How long does it take for Sklice (ivermectin) to kill head lice?

Further information

Stromectol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer