What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Stromectol (Ivermectin)
Prescription Required
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Product Details
Description
Stromectol (ivermectin) is a prescription anti-parasitic medication used to treat certain worm infections. It is approved for intestinal strongyloidiasis, caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, and onchocerciasis, also called river blindness, which is caused by Onchocerca volvulus. Ivermectin works by paralyzing and killing the parasites. It is prescribed for adults and children who weigh at least 15 kg.
Fact Table
Formula
C48H74O14 (H2B1a); C47H72O14 (H2B1b)
License
US FDA, NDA #050742
Bioavailability
Not determined; high-fat meal increases bioavailability about 2.5-fold versus fasted dosing
Legal status
Rx-only
Chemical Name
Ivermectin; mixture of 22,23-dihydroavermectin B1a and 22,23-dihydroavermectin B1b
Elimination half-life
Approximately 18 hours after oral administration
Dosage (Strength)
Tablet: 3 mg; strongyloidiasis: single oral dose about 200 mcg/kg; onchocerciasis: single oral dose about 150 mcg/kg
Pregnancy
Should not be used during pregnancy; safety in pregnancy has not been established
Brands
Stromectol, Mectizan, Soolantra, Sklice
Protein binding
About 93%
PubChem CID
6321424
MedlinePlus
a607069
ChEBI
6078
ATC code
P02CF01; D11AX22
DrugBank
DB00602
KEGG
D00804
Routes of administration
Oral; topical
Directions
Take Stromectol exactly as prescribed. It’s usually taken as a single oral dose, with the number of 3 mg tablets based on your body weight. Take it on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.
For strongyloidiasis, follow-up stool tests over the next 3 months are usually needed to make sure the infection is gone. For onchocerciasis, repeat treatment is often needed every 3 to 12 months since the medicine does not kill adult worms. People with weakened immune systems may need more than one treatment course, so keep all follow-up appointments.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Stromectol is ivermectin. The inactive ingredients may include microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, magnesium stearate, butylated hydroxyanisole, and anhydrous citric acid powder.
Cautions
Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
- Any existing health conditions
- Any allergies
- A list of all medications currently being taken
When ivermectin is used to treat onchocerciasis, also called river blindness, the die-off of the parasites may trigger a reaction called a Mazzotti reaction, with symptoms such as itching, rash, swelling, joint pain, and fever.
Serious effects on the nervous system have been reported, including drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, and, in rare cases, coma or death. Seek medical attention if you or your child becomes unusually drowsy, confused, or difficult to wake.
People who have spent time in parts of West or Central Africa where a parasite called Loa loa is common may be at risk of a rare but serious brain reaction, called encephalopathy, after treatment.
Tell your provider if you take warfarin, as increases in INR, a blood-clotting measure, have been reported when ivermectin is taken with warfarin.
Stromectol should not be used during pregnancy, as its safety in pregnancy has not been established. If you are breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits with your provider.
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children who weigh less than 15 kg. Older adults should be treated with care due to a greater risk of reduced liver, kidney, or heart function.
Store at temperatures below 30°C (86°F). Keep out of reach of children.
Contraindications
Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:
- A known allergy or hypersensitivity to ivermectin or to any of the other ingredients in Stromectol.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Stromectol include:
- Dizziness
- Itching, also called pruritus
- Skin rash or hives
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Stomach pain or loss of appetite
- Weakness or fatigue
Stop taking Stromectol and get medical help if you have signs of a serious allergic or skin reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing or worsening asthma, blistering or peeling skin, or a widespread rash. Seek urgent care for severe drowsiness, confusion, fainting, seizures, or a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing. Contact your provider if you develop yellowing of the skin or other signs of liver problems, or if any side effect is severe and does not go away.
References
Stromectol Highlights of Prescribing Information. Rahway, NJ: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC; 2024.
Stromectol Drug Label Information. Rahway, NJ: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC; 2024.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 10099
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