Stromectol

Stromectol are used to treat infections caused by parasitic worms and ectoparasites. One example of such an infection is strongyloidiasis, caused by the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis. This parasite, which belongs to roundworms, enters the human body through contaminated soil. Its larvae enter the bloodstream, travel to the lungs and then enter the intestines, where they develop into adult worms and produce eggs. These eggs may be excreted with faeces or migrate to other parts of the body, causing re-infection. Symptoms of strongyloidiasis can include skin rashes, gastrointestinal problems (diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting), and symptoms associated with larvae migrating through the lungs, such as coughing and shortness of breath.

Drug are also used to treat lymphatic filariasis, known as elephantiasis. This infection is caused by the threadworm Wuchereria bancrofti and is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The larvae of this parasite enter the bloodstream and migrate to the lymphatic vessels.

The larvae of these parasites mature into adults that mate and produce microfilariae. These microfilariae circulate in the blood and can infect other mosquitoes when they bite humans. A repeated cycle of reproduction then occurs. People infected with lymphatic filariasis may experience symptoms such as swelling of the lymph nodes or obstruction of the lymphatic system, which can cause swelling of the arms, legs or genitals, which is often painful and leads to deformity.

In addition, Stromectol are also used to treat scabies in cases where previous treatments have failed. Scabies is a contagious parasitic disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which is transmitted through direct skin contact. When this mite enters the skin, it causes intense itching that often worsens at night. Within two to six weeks after infection, the mite can cause an allergic reaction accompanied by a rash manifested by small red rashes on the limbs and trunk, which are usually very itchy, as well as nodules in the groin or armpits.

In addition, scabies can also cause characteristic lines of burrows, usually between the fingers and on the skin of the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, buttocks and genitals. If left untreated, scabies can cause additional complications such as impetigo (infection and inflammation of the upper layers of the skin) and cellulitis (inflammation of the deeper layers of the skin or subcutaneous tissue). Stromectol work on the same principle, killing the parasites that cause these infections and thus helping to treat them, as well as preventing the infection from spreading and relieving symptoms.

How does Stromectol work?

Medicine works thanks to its active ingredient, Ivermectin, which is an antiparasitic agent derived from avermectins extracted from Streptomyces avermitilis by fermentation. The Ivermectin contained in Stromectol acts on parasites, primarily worms and other invertebrates, by specifically interacting with their nervous system. Importantly, it has no effect on the nervous system of mammals.

Ivermectin has high affinity for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (GluCl) chloride channel receptors in the nerve and muscle cells of parasites. This interaction leads to paralysis and death of the parasite. Thus, Stromectol effectively interrupt the life cycle of parasites and prevent their spread.

What does Stromectol contain?

Medicament contains the following ingredients:

Active ingredient: Ivermectin (3 mg). It is an antiparasitic substance that acts on various parasites.

Excipients:

• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Pre-gelatinised corn starch
• Butylated hydroxyanisole
• Anhydrous citric acid
• Magnesium stearate

These excipients may be used to provide structure and stability to the tablets and affect their physical and chemical characteristics.

How should Stromectol be taken?

To take Stromectol correctly, follow these guidelines:

• Take the tablets whole, without separating them, and wash them down with a glass of water.
• Take Stromectol on an empty stomach, either 2 hours before a meal or 2 hours after a meal. This will help maximise the absorption of the drug.
• The dose of Stromectol depends on your medical condition, weight (usually calculated as 200 micrograms per kilogram of weight), and your doctor's recommendations. Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and frequency of administration.
• For the treatment of strongyloidiasis and scabies, a single dose of Stromectol is often recommended. If the symptoms of scabies do not disappear, an additional dose may be taken after 2 weeks.
• To treat lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), a single dose of Stromectol is usually recommended and then repeat treatment every 6 or 12 months.

How long should you take Stromectol for?

The length of time you take Stromectol depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor's advice. This usually includes the following:

• For strongyloidiasis and scabies: A single oral dose is recommended. If the symptoms of scabies do not disappear, an additional dose may be taken after 2 weeks.
• For lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis): A single oral dose is recommended and then repeat treatment may be given after 6 or 12 months.

Treatment of strongyloidiasis using Stromectol

Stromectol is a preparation, which is an antiparasitic agent used to control an infection caused by the nematode Strongyloides stercorali, known as strongyloidosis.

Strongyloidosis is an infectious disease that is transmitted through direct contact with contaminated soil. The larvae of the parasite enter the human body, migrate to the lungs and then enter the intestines where they develop into adult worms and produce eggs. These eggs may be excreted with faeces or migrate to other parts of the body, causing re-infestation. Symptoms of strongyloidiasis may include a rash at the site of larvae infiltration, gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and other symptoms such as low-grade fever, coughing and shortness of breath caused by larvae migrating through the lungs. In case of severe infection, the parasite can spread throughout the body.

Ivermectin, contained in Stromectol, acts by interacting with the parasite's nervous system but does not affect the mammalian nervous system. It binds to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (GluCl) in the nerve and muscle cells of invertebrates, causing paralysis and death of the parasite. Thus, Stromectol helps to interrupt the infectious cycle and prevents the spread of infection, contributing to the recovery of patients with strongyloidiasis.

Treatment of lymphatic filariasis with Stromectol

Stromectol is a preparation that is used to control lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis. This disease is caused by the threadworm Wuchereria bancrofti, which is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. When larvae of this parasite enter the human body, they migrate to the lymphatic vessels where they develop into adults, mate and produce microfilariae. These microfilariae circulate in the blood and can be transmitted to other mosquitoes through bites, triggering a new reproduction cycle. Symptoms of lymphatic filariasis may include lymphoedema or obstruction of the lymphatic system causing swelling of the arms, legs or genitals, which can be painful and deforming.

Ivermectin, present in Stromectol, acts by specific interaction with the nervous system of the parasite but does not affect the nervous system of mammals. It binds with high affinity to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (GluCl) regulated chloride channels in the nerve and muscle cells of invertebrates, causing paralysis and death of the parasite. Thus, Stromectol helps to interrupt the infection cycle and prevents the spread of infection, promoting the recovery of patients with lymphatic filariasis.

Treatment of scabies with Stromectol

Stromectol is a medication that is used to treat scabies caused by the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. This mite is transmitted by direct contact with human skin and can cause intense itching, especially at night, for two to six weeks after infection. This can lead to an allergic reaction manifested by a rash of small red bumps on the skin of the limbs and trunk, which are often intensely itchy. Characteristic lines of burrows can also often be seen, especially between the fingers, as well as on the skin of the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, buttocks and genitals.

If left untreated, scabies can cause additional complications such as impetigo (infection and inflammation of the upper layers of the skin) and cellulitis (inflammation of the deeper layers of the skin or subcutaneous tissue).

The Ivermectin contained in Stromectol acts by specific interaction with the nervous system of the scabies mite. This mechanism of action has no effect on the nervous system of mammals. Ivermectin binds to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (GluCl) chloride channels in the nerve and muscle cells of the mite, causing paralysis and death of the parasite. Stromectol helps to interrupt the infection cycle and prevent further spread of the infection, relieving symptoms and promoting recovery in patients with scabies.

Side Effects

The following side effects may occur when taking Stromectol:

• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
• Hyperaemia (reddening of the skin)
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Itching
• Skin rash
• Asthenia (weakness)
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Tremor (shaking)

These side effects may be transient and do not occur in all patients. It is important to tell your doctor about any unpleasant symptoms you may experience during treatment with Stromectol, especially if they become more severe or last longer. Your doctor will be able to assess the situation and take the necessary action.

When should Stromectol not be used?

Stromectol should not be used in the following cases:

• If you are allergic to Ivermectin or any other ingredients in Stromectol
• During pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding. In this case, the use of Stromectol should be agreed with your doctor
• If you want to use Stromectol to prevent threadworm infection. The drug is intended for treatment and not for prophylaxis
• If you have another infection caused by other microfilarial worms such as Loa loa. Using Stromectol in this case may increase the risk of side effects
• If you have asthma
• If you are taking medicines that interact with Stromectol, including diethylcarbamazine citrate, which is a fast-acting drug for the treatment of microfilarial infections, and Warfarin

It is always important to consult your doctor before starting treatment with Stromectol to make sure it is safe and suitable for you.

What drugs interact with Stromectol?

Several medicines may interact with Stromectol 3 mg and their use should be discussed with your doctor. Some of these include:

• Diethylcarbamazine citrate: This drug, which is used to treat microfilarial infections, may cause serious skin, systemic or ophthalmological reactions if used in conjunction with IVERMECTIN
• Warfarin: Ivermectin, like many other medicines, may have a weak anticoagulant effect, which increases the risk of bleeding when warfarin is used

If you are taking any of the above medicines or other medications, it is important to tell your doctor before starting treatment with Stromectol. Your doctor will be able to assess the risks and side effects of interactions and, if necessary, provide advice on adapting your treatment.

How should Stromectol be stored?

Regarding storage, Stromectol should be stored at temperatures below 30°C in a dry and cool place. Always read the storage instructions provided with the product before use.