Stromectol (Ivermectin)

You shouldn’t take STROMECTOL if you’re allergic to STROMECTOL or any ingredients in the drug.

Talk to your doctor before taking STROMECTOL if you have asthma or a skin condition called onychodermatitis.

Pregnancy and STROMECTOL

STROMECTOL has not been well studied in pregnant humans.

Before taking STROMECTOL, talk to your doctor about whether the drug benefits outweigh the potential risks to your unborn baby.

Whether or not STROMECTOL is for mothers who are breastfeeding has not been determined.

Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding before taking STROMECTOL.

STROMECTOL for Dogs and Cats

Veterinarians often prescribe STROMECTOL (under the brand names Heartgard, Ivomec, Iverhart, and others) for dogs and cats.

The drug is used to treat parasitic infections such as heartworm, mange, and ear mites.

Low doses of STROMECTOL are generally considered safe for animals.

However, STROMECTOL is not suitable for all dogs. Some carry a mutated gene (MDR-1) that makes the dog especially sensitive to STROMECTOL toxicity.

In dogs with this mutation, STROMECTOL can pass into the brain and nervous system with deadly consequences.

There are some dog breeds that are more sensitive to STROMECTOL than others. These include Australian and German Shepherds; English, Old English, and Shelton Sheepdogs; Syke Terriers; and Collies.

However, your dog's breed is not necessarily a guarantee that there will or will not be a problem with STROMECTOL.

Common Side Effects of STROMECTOL

The side effects vary depending on the form you’re using. They include the following:

• Itching and rash
• Swelling
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Pink eye, inflammation of the eyes or discomfort
• Dizziness and a drop in blood pressure upon standing
• Racing heart beat
• Changes in liver function tests

Cream and lotion formulations of STROMECTOL may cause your skin to itch or burn.

Serious Side Effects of STROMECTOL

The following side effects generally apply to STROMECTOL tablets (Stromectol):

• Sudden drop in blood pressure and dizziness upon standing
• Life-threatening skin reactions
• Seizures
• Asthma flare-up
• Changes in vision, including loss of vision
• Liver infection

Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the medications you’re taking.

This includes prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, vitamins and other dietary supplements (nutritional shakes, protein powders, etc.), herbal remedies, and illegal and recreational drugs.

Ask your doctor about taking Stromectol with warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), since Stromectol may increase the side effects of the blood thinner.

STROMECTOL and Alcohol

You should avoid or limit drinking alcohol while taking STROMECTOL, because the combination may increase your risk of serious side effects of the drug.  

STROMECTOL and Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit juice slows down how quickly the body is able to break down STROMECTOL, which could cause blood levels of the drug to become dangerously high.

Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice while you’re taking STROMECTOL.

Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after you’ve applied either product to your skin.

STROMECTOL Overdose

If you think you might have taken or applied too much STROMECTOL, contact an emergency room at 911 or a poison control center right away.

Missed Dose of STROMECTOL

If you miss a dose of STROMECTOL or an application, try to take it or apply it as soon as you remember.

If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Don't double your dose.