• Ultimectin indications
• Uses of Ultimectin in details
• Ultimectin description
• Ultimectin dosage
• Ultimectin interactions
• Ultimectin side effects
• Ultimectin contraindications

What is Ultimectin?

Ultimectin is used in the treatment of certain worm infections. It is used to treat river blindness (onchocerciasis) and a certain type of diarrhea (strongyloidiasis). It may also be used for some other kinds of worm infections.

Ultimectin appears to work by paralyzing and then killing the offspring of adult worms. It may also slow down the rate at which adult worms reproduce. This results in fewer worms in the skin, blood, and eyes.

Ultimectin is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, Ultimectin is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:

• Bancroft's filariasis
• Scabies

Ultimectin indications

Ultimectin (Ultimectin) is indicated for the treatment of the following infections:

Strongyloidiasis of the intestinal tract. Ultimectin (Ultimectin) is indicated for the treatment of intestinal (i.e., nondisseminated) strongyloidiasis due to the nematode parasite Strongyloides stercoralis.

This indication is based on clinical studies of both comparative and open-label designs, in which 64-100% of infected patients were cured following a single 200-mcg/kg dose of Ultimectin.

Onchocerciasis. Ultimectin (Ultimectin) is indicated for the treatment of onchocerciasis due to the nematode parasite Onchocerca volvulus.

This indication is based on randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and comparative studies conducted in 1427 patients in onchocerciasis-endemic areas of West Africa. The comparative studies used diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC-C).

NOTE: Ultimectin (Ultimectin) has no activity against adult Onchocerca volvulus parasites. The adult parasites reside in subcutaneous nodules which are infrequently palpable. Surgical excision of these nodules (nodulectomy) may be considered in the management of patients with onchocerciasis, since this procedure will eliminate the microfilariae-producing adult parasites.

How should I use Ultimectin?

Use Ultimectin lotion as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet and instructions for use is available with Ultimectin lotion. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Be sure you understand how to use Ultimectin lotion. Ask your health care provider if you have questions or if you are unsure how to use it.
• If the patient is a child, an adult should apply Ultimectin lotion.
• Your hair and scalp should be completely dry before you apply Ultimectin lotion.
• Apply Ultimectin lotion directly to dry hair, starting with the hair closest to the scalp. Work it outward, toward the ends of your hair. Use enough medicine to completely cover the hair and scalp (up to 1 tube).
• Rub Ultimectin lotion throughout your hair. Be sure that each hair is coated with medicine from the scalp to the tip.
• After Ultimectin lotion is applied, leave it on your hair and scalp for 10 minutes (use a timer or clock).
• After 10 minutes, completely rinse Ultimectin lotion using only water.
• Wash your hands immediately after using Ultimectin lotion.
• Ultimectin lotion is for a single use only. Throw away the tube and any unused medicine out of reach of children and away from pets.
• Only one dose of Ultimectin lotion is required. If you forget to use Ultimectin lotion, use it as soon as you remember.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ultimectin lotion.

Uses of Ultimectin in details

Use: Labeled Indications

Onchocerciasis: Treatment of onchocerciasis due to the immature form of Onchocerca volvulus.

Limitations of use: Ultimectin has no activity against adult Onchocerca volvulus parasites. The adult parasites reside in subcutaneous nodules which are infrequently palpable. Surgical excision may be considered as removal of these nodules will eliminate the microfilariae-producing adult parasites.

Strongyloidiasis, intestinal: Treatment of intestinal (eg, nondisseminated) strongyloidiasis due to Strongyloides stercoralis.

Off Label Uses

Ascariasis

Data from two clinical trials in patients with intestinal helminths supports the use of Ultimectin in the treatment of Ascaris lumbricoides infection. Additional trials may be necessary to further define the role of Ultimectin in this condition.

Ultimectin description

Ultimectin is a broad-spectrum anti-parasite medication. It was first marketed under the name Ultimectin® and used against worms (except tapeworms), but, in 2012, it was approved for the topical treatment of head lice infestations in patients 6 months of age and older, and marketed under the name Ultimectin™ as well. Ultimectin is mainly used in humans in the treatment of onchocerciasis, but is also effective against other worm infestations (such as strongyloidiasis, ascariasis, trichuriasis and enterobiasis).

Ultimectin dosage

Ultimectin Dosage

Generic name: Ultimectin 5mg in 1g

Dosage form: lotion

The information at Drugs.com is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.

For topical use only. Ultimectin Lotion is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.

Apply Ultimectin Lotion to dry hair in an amount sufficient (up to 1 tube) to thoroughly coat the hair and scalp. Leave Ultimectin Lotion on the hair and scalp for 10 minutes, and then rinse off with water.

The tube is intended for single use; discard any unused portion.

Avoid contact with eyes.

More about Ultimectin (Ultimectin topical)

• Side Effects
• Breastfeeding
• Dosage Information
• Support Group
• Pricing & Coupons
• 21 Reviews - Add your own review/rating

Consumer resources

• Ultimectin
• Ultimectin lotion
• Ultimectin (Advanced Reading)

• Other brands: Soolantra

Professional resources

• Ultimectin topical (AHFS Monograph)
• Ultimectin (FDA)

Related treatment guides

• Head Lice

Ultimectin interactions

See also:
What other drugs will affect Ultimectin?

With simultaneous use of Ultimectin Ind-Swift with theophylline, aminophylline, caffeine, there is an increase in their concentration in blood plasma and thus increases the risk of toxic effects.

Erythromycin increases the concentrations of cyclosporine in the blood plasma and may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.

Drugs that block tubular secretion prolongs T1/2 of erythromycin.

Incompatible with lincomycin, clindamycin and chloramphenicol (antagonism).

Ultimectin Ind-Swift reduces the bactericidal action of beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems).

With simultaneous use of erythromycin increases the concentration of theophylline.

At the same time receiving chemotherapy, which is carried metabolism in the liver (carbamazepine, valproic acid, hexobarbital, phenytoin, alfentanil, dizopiramid, lovastatin, bromocriptine), may increase the concentration of these drugs in plasma (an inhibitor of microsomal liver enzymes).

IV injection of erythromycin increases the effects of ethanol (accelerating gastric emptying and decrease the duration of alcohol dehydrogenase in the gastric mucosa).

Erythromycin reduces the clearance of triazolam and midazolam and therefore may increase the pharmacological effects of benzodiazepines.

At the same time taking with terfenadine or astemizole may develop arrhythmias (fibrillation and ventricular flutter, ventricular tachycardia, until death); with dihydroergotamine or non hydrated ergot alkaloids may vasoconstriction to spasm, dysesthesia.

With simultaneous application Ultimectin Ind-Swift slows elimination (increases the effect) of methylprednisolone, felodipine and anticoagulants of cumarine series.

In a joint appointment with lovastatin increased rhabdomyolysis.

Erythromycin increases the bioavailability of digoxin.

Erythromycin reduces the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.

Ultimectin side effects

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Ultimectin?

Strongyloidiasis

In four clinical studies involving a total of 109 patients given either one or two doses of 170 to 200 mcg/kg of Ultimectin (Ultimectin), the following adverse reactions were reported as possibly, probably, or definitely related to Ultimectin (Ultimectin) :

Body as a Whole: asthenia/fatigue (0.9%), abdominal pain (0.9%)

Gastrointestinal: anorexia (0.9%), constipation (0.9%), diarrhea (1.8%), nausea (1.8%), vomiting (0.9%)

Nervous System/Psychiatric: dizziness (2.8%), somnolence (0.9%), vertigo (0.9%), tremor (0.9%)

Skin: pruritus (2.8%), rash (0.9%), and urticaria (0.9%).

In comparative trials, patients treated with Ultimectin (Ultimectin) experienced more abdominal distention and chest discomfort than patients treated with albendazole. However, Ultimectin (Ultimectin) was better tolerated than thiabendazole in comparative studies involving 37 patients treated with thiabendazole.

The Mazzotti-type and ophthalmologic reactions associated with the treatment of onchocerciasis or the disease itself would not be expected to occur in strongyloidiasis patients treated with Ultimectin (Ultimectin).

Laboratory Test Findings

In clinical trials involving 109 patients given either one or two doses of 170 to 200 mcg/kg Ultimectin (Ultimectin), the following laboratory abnormalities were seen regardless of drug relationship: elevation in ALT and/or AST (2%), decrease in leukocyte count (3%). Leukopenia and anemia were seen in one patient.

Onchocerciasis

In clinical trials involving 963 adult patients treated with 100 to 200 mcg/kg Ultimectin (Ultimectin), worsening of the following Mazzotti reactions during the first 4 days post-treatment were reported: arthralgia/synovitis (9.3%), axillary lymph node enlargement and tenderness (11.0% and 4.4%, respectively), cervical lymph node enlargement and tenderness (5.3% and 1.2%, respectively), inguinal lymph node enlargement and tenderness (12.6% and 13.9%, respectively), other lymph node enlargement and tenderness (3.0% and 1.9%, respectively), pruritus (27.5%), skin involvement including edema, papular and pustular or frank urticarial rash (22.7%), and fever (22.6%).

In clinical trials, ophthalmological conditions were examined in 963 adult patients before treatment, at day 3, and months 3 and 6 after treatment with 100 to 200 mcg/kg Ultimectin (Ultimectin). Changes observed were primarily deterioration from baseline 3 days post-treatment. Most changes either returned to baseline condition or improved over baseline severity at the month 3 and 6 visits. The percentages of patients with worsening of the following conditions at day 3, month 3 and 6, respectively, were: limbitis: 5.5%, 4.8%, and 3.5% and punctate opacity: 1.8%, 1.8%, and 1.4%. The corresponding percentages for patients treated with placebo were: limbitis: 6.2%, 9.9%, and 9.4% and punctate opacity: 2.0%, 6.4%, and 7.2%.

In clinical trials involving 963 adult patients who received 100 to 200 mcg/kg Ultimectin (Ultimectin), the following clinical adverse reactions were reported as possibly, probably, or definitely related to the drug in ≥ 1% of the patients: facial edema (1.2%), peripheral edema (3.2%), orthostatic hypotension (1.1%), and tachycardia (3.5%). Drug-related headache and myalgia occurred in < 1% of patients (0.2% and 0.4%, respectively). However, these were the most common adverse experiences reported overall during these trials regardless of causality (22.3% and 19.7%, respectively).

A similar safety profile was observed in an open study in pediatric patients ages 6 to 13.

The following ophthalmological side effects do occur due to the disease itself but have also been reported after treatment with Ultimectin (Ultimectin) : abnormal sensation in the eyes, eyelid edema, anterior uveitis, conjunctivitis, limbitis, keratitis, and chorioretinitis or choroiditis. These have rarely been severe or associated with loss of vision and have generally resolved without corticosteroid treatment.

Laboratory Test Findings

In controlled clinical trials, the following laboratory adverse experiences were reported as possibly, probably, or definitely related to the drug in ≥ 1% of the patients: eosinophilia (3%) and hemoglobin increase (1%).

Post-Marketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been reported since the drug was registered overseas:

Onchocerciasis

Conjunctival hemorrhage

All Indications

Hypotension (mainly orthostatic hypotension), worsening of bronchial asthma, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, seizures, hepatitis, elevation of liver enzymes, and elevation of bilirubin.

Ultimectin contraindications

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Ultimectin?

Before taking Ultimectin, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions that you have, especially liver disease. If you have liver problems, you may not be able to use Ultimectin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Treatment with Ultimectin usually involves taking a single dose, which should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, a sample of your stool (bowel movement) will need to be checked on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Ultimectin.

You may need to be retreated with Ultimectin several months to a year after your single dose.

Call your doctor at once if you have any problems with your eyes or your vision.

Active ingredient matches for Ultimectin:

Ivermectin in Ireland.

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Information checked by Dr. Sachin Kumar, MD Pharmacology