Worm infections can cause weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and other symptoms. Visit your doctor for an assessment of your symptoms, testing, and a proper diagnosis. Oral ivermectin is safe for most people, but it is not recommended for pregnant women. Nursing women should use it only with extra caution. Make sure your doctor knows about all medications and supplements you take, since drug interactions are possible.
Oral ivermectin typically comes in 3 mg tablets, so you may be prescribed 1-4 tablets for your single dose. Make sure you are clear on your doctor’s instructions for taking the medication. Ivermectin, in oral or topical form, is only available by prescription.
If your doctor gives you alternate instructions on when to take the medication, follow them.
If you want to take the tablets with any beverage other than plain water, clear it with your doctor first.
Possible side effects include headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, diarrhea, and swelling of the face or eyes. These typically occur within 1 day and last for no more than 1-2 days. If any of the above side effects are moderate or severe, or if you have any difficulty breathing or seeing, contact your doctor right away.
You may be prescribed corticosteroids for several days or a week, then have to taper off the medication with lower doses over several days. Side effects can include high blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels, night sweats, weight gain, and mood swings, among others.
If this is the case, you’ll take the ivermectin exactly as before.
For lice treatment, a 0. 5% ivermectin lotion is usually prescribed. [11] X Research source Topical ivermectin may also be prescribed for other external conditions, especially scabies. In some cases oral ivermectin is used for scabies, though. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source The steps in this section describe using topical ivermectin for head lice, so follow your doctor’s instructions if you’re using it for scabies or any other external condition.
Never use more than one dose of ivermectin unless instructed by your doctor. If there is any ivermectin left after your dose, throw it away.
Try not to get any ivermectin in your eyes or mouth. Rinse with lots of clean water if you do get a small amount in your eyes or mouth. Contact your doctor if you get a significant amount in your mouth or eyes. With a good mirror, an adult can usually manage doing a self-treatment. Never let a child try to apply ivermectin themselves, however. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying the lotion.
Do not use shampoo to rinse out the lotion. You want some traces of it to be left behind so it can continue to do its work. Make sure you don’t get any lotion in your eyes or mouth while rinsing. Wash your hands with soap and water after rinsing out the lotion.
Lice eggs look like brownish sesame seeds. Use a magnifying glass if you’re having trouble spotting them. Once you’re done, flush the soapy water (and lice eggs) down the toilet, then sanitize your lice comb and regular comb or brush in a mixture of 16 fl oz (470 ml) of hot water and 2 tsp (10 ml) of ammonia for at least 10 minutes. Finish by washing your hands with soap and water again. You won’t need to use the ivermectin again, but you should repeat this combing process at least once per week for 3 weeks. Contact your doctor if you still spot lice or eggs after 3 weeks.
If you don’t take this step, you’ll probably become re-infested with head lice.
Talk to your doctor beforehand regarding any other side effects you should look out for. Contact your doctor if you have any moderate to severe side effects.
