ivermectin topical

Ivermectin topical is a medication used to treat head lice infestation and inflammatory lesions caused by rosacea. It is available as a cream for rosacea lesions and as a lotion for head lice. Ivermectin is an antiworm medication that kills head lice by increasing their permeability to chloride ions, leading to paralysis and death. It also kills lice eggs, and usually a single treatment is sufficient to clear head lice infestation.

Warnings

• Do not use ivermectin topical if you are hypersensitive to any of the components in the formulation.
• Ivermectin topical is not meant for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.
• Use ivermectin topical solution only for the scalp and scalp hair.
• Administer ivermectin topical solution to children for head lice treatment only under adult supervision to prevent ingestion.
• Do not use ivermectin topical solution on children below 6 months of age. The risk of systemic absorption and toxicity is higher due to the immature skin barrier and higher body mass ratio.
• Ivermectin topical cream is not meant for use in children.

Side Effects

Common side effects of ivermectin topical include:

• Skin burning sensation
• Skin irritation
• Dry skin (xeroderma)
• Dandruff
• Eye irritation
• Red eye (ocular hyperemia)
• Inflammation of conjunctiva (conjunctivitis)
• Skin inflammations: Allergic dermatitis, Contact dermatitis, Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out;
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of side effects or adverse reactions. Contact your doctor for medical advice or report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosage

Topical Lotion

Topical Cream

Adult:

Lice

• Pediculicide indicated for topical treatment of head lice infestation
• Apply lotion to dry hair in amount sufficient (up to one 4-oz tube) to thoroughly coat the hair and scalp; leave lotion on hair for 10 minutes, then rinse with water
• For single use only, do not re-treat
• Indicated for inflammatory lesions caused by rosacea
• Apply small amount of 1% cream to affected area(s) once daily
• Use a pea-size amount for each area of the face that is affected (forehead, chin, nose, each cheek)
• Spread as a thin layer, avoiding the eyes and lips

Pediatric:

Lice

Pediculicide indicated for topical treatment of head lice infestation

Children below 6 months:

• Safety and efficacy not established

Children 6 months and above:

• Apply lotion to dry hair in amount sufficient (up to one 4-oz tube) to thoroughly coat the hair and scalp; leave lotion on hair for 10 minutes, then rinse with water
• For single use only, do not re-treat

Overdose

• Ivermectin topical is unlikely to result in overdose or toxicity if used appropriately. Accidental or intentional overdose can cause various symptoms, and treatment involves symptomatic and supportive care.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking. Ivermectin topical has no listed interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

Always inform your doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Systemic absorption from topical ivermectin is lower than from oral use, but there are no adequate studies on its safety in pregnant women.
• Use ivermectin topical during pregnancy only if benefits outweigh the possible risks.
• The presence of ivermectin in breastmilk after topical application has not been studied, but systemic absorption is expected to be low.
• Decision to breastfeed must consider maternal benefits and risks to the nursing infant.
• Nursing mothers should avoid drug exposure in the breast area to prevent oral ingestion by the infant.

Additional Information

• Use ivermectin topical exactly as directed.
• It is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes and lips. Wash hands thoroughly after use.
• Check with your healthcare provider before use if you have any skin conditions or sensitivities.
• Topical solution for lice treatment is for single use only. Do not use it again without checking with your healthcare provider.
• Store safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek medical help immediately or contact Poison Control.

Summary

Ivermectin topical is a medication used to treat head lice infestation and inflammatory lesions caused by rosacea. It is available as a cream for rosacea lesions and as a lotion for head lice. Common side effects include skin burning sensation, skin irritation, dry skin, dandruff, eye irritation, red eye, inflammation of conjunctiva, and skin inflammation.