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Dictionary · Drug

ivermectin

An antiparasitic drug, taken by mouth or put on the skin, that kills certain worms, lice and mites.

eye-ver-MEK-tin noun

What it means

Tablets treat infections with some roundworms, such as Strongyloides, and severe (crusted) scabies. A lotion treats head lice, and a cream treats rosacea. It works by paralyzing the parasites. It has no proven use against viral infections.

For the nurse

Give tablets with water on an empty stomach as directed. Teach the client to finish treatment, and to report dizziness, rash or swelling. For lice and scabies, teach washing of bedding and clothing and treatment of close contacts.

At a glance

Drug classantiparasitic (anthelmintic)
Brand namesStromectol (tablets), Sklice (lotion), Soolantra (cream)
Spanishivermectina
Also writtenStromectol, Sklice, Soolantra

Related terms

permethrin

A cream or lotion put on the skin or hair to kill lice and the mites that cause scabies.

lindane

A shampoo or lotion that kills lice and scabies mites, used only when safer treatments have failed or cannot be used.

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