Did your doctor prescribe you a pill called Ivermectin? Or have you heard the name of this medicine somewhere? This is actually a special medicine that is used on the recommendation of a doctor to eliminate some parasites in our body, that is, to cure parasitic infections. So today, let's talk about the most important things that you should definitely know as a user of this medicine.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, he or she will need to have a complete picture of your health . Therefore, if you have any of the conditions below, please be sure to discuss it with your doctor.
- If you have asthma .
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Ivermectin or any other medicine, food, or dye .
- If you are pregnant , or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
This information is very important for the doctor to decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not, and what dosage to give it.
How to use Ivermectin tablets exactly?
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it as directed. This is no exception.
Simply put, this medicine should be taken on an empty stomach . That means, it should be taken at least half an hour before a meal, or about two hours after a meal. Never take this medicine with food.
- Take the pill with a glass of water and drink it.
- Take your medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes, at the right time. Do not take more than the prescribed dose or take it more frequently.
- Sometimes you may feel better after a few days. But don't stop taking the full course of medication your doctor prescribed. It's important to take the full course of medication to completely cure the infection.
If giving to children: If giving this medicine to children, talk to a pediatrician about it and follow his/her advice. Special care may be required.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you suddenly think you have taken more than the prescribed dose of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This is very important.
Remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can interact with each other when taken together. One of the main medications that can interact with Ivermectin is blood thinners like Warfarin .
However, this list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all other medications, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Follow-up visits: Be sure to go back to see your doctor on the day your doctor tells you to. You may need to have some tests to make sure the infection is completely gone. Tell your doctor if your symptoms don't go away or get worse.
- Cleanliness: Good personal hygiene is very important to prevent the spread of parasitic infections to others. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, keep your nails short and clean, and shower daily. Change and wash your bed sheets and underwear every day. Clean the toilet regularly and keep the floors clean.
What are the side effects? Let's be careful about this.
Like any medicine, Ivermectin can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. The most important thing is to be aware of these and take action immediately if any serious symptoms occur.
| Ivermectin Side Effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, eye pain, swelling, redness. |
| Changes in heart rate | Chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Other serious symptoms | Dizziness , fainting, fever, seizures, confusion, inability to control urine or stool, unusual swelling, extreme fatigue. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. |
| Other features | Headache, joint or muscle pain, painful glands in the neck, armpits or groin, tremor. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, seek medical advice about that as well.
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Don't let children get hold of it! This is the most important thing. Always keep medicine out of reach and sight of children.
- Store at room temperature, below 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit).
- Keep the cap of the medicine bottle/box tightly closed.
- Discard expired medication without using it.
I hope this article has given you a basic understanding of Ivermectin. Remember, this is just a summary. If you have any further questions about this medication, never hesitate to ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Ivermectin is a prescription medication for parasitic infections.
- Always take this medicine on an empty stomach, with a glass of water. Do not take it with food.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- If you experience serious side effects such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else for any reason.
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