Lvermectin is an anthelmintic drug. It kills or stimulates the expulsion of parasitic bowel worms. In case of strongyloidiasis it kills the parasite, while in case of onchocerciasis; it only kills the worms in the development stage, but not the adult.
What is Lvermectin?
Lvermectin is used to treat strongyloidiasis caused by the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis and to control river blindness caused by the nematode Onchocerca volvulus.
Sometimes it is also used to treat other parasites, including lice and scabies.
How should Lvermectin be taken?
Lvermectin is assumed orally, usually in the form of a single pill to swallow with water on an empty stomach. In case of onchocerciasis, however, the intake can be prescribed as doses of 3, 6 or 12 months after the first treatment.
Side effects associated with Lvermectin
Possible adverse effects of Lvermectin are:
- dizziness
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- vomit
- swelling or pain in the stomach
- diarrhea
- constipation
- weakness
- drowsiness
- uncontrollable tremors
- discomfort in the chest
- swelling of eyes, face, arms, hands, feet, ankles or calves
- joint pain
- joint swelling
- swelling and pain in you neck glands, armpits or groin
- rapid heartbeat
- redness, lacrimation and eye pain
- eyelid swelling or eye
- strange sensations eye
You should immediately contact a doctor if you notice:
- incresed temperature
- blistered, or peeling
- skin rash
- urticaria
- itch
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Lvermectin
The treatment of strongyloidiasis with Lvermectin requires at least three exams of feces in the three months of treatment with the drug in order to verify the effectiveness of treatment.
In the case of onchocerciasis, the treatment can cause dizziness and fainting when standing up quickly. Particular attention should be paid to this aspect.
Moreover, before you start taking Lvermectin, it is important to inform your doctor:
- If you have any allergy to the active substance or any other drug
- If you are taking any other medicinal products, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: anti-anxiety drugs, psychotropic drugs, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, sedatives, sleeping pills or tranquilizers
- If you suffer (or have suffered) meningitis, trypanosomiasis or disorders that alter the functioning of the immune system
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
