Stromectol comparison: What ivermectin does better (and when to pick something else)

Wondering where Stromectol (ivermectin) fits among antiparasitic drugs? You’re not alone. Ivermectin is a powerful oral medicine for several parasite infections, but it’s not always the best choice. This short guide lays out when ivermectin shines, how it compares to common alternatives, and what to watch out for.

How Stromectol stacks up

Stromectol is most known for treating strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, and it’s widely used for scabies, particularly severe or crusted cases. For strongyloides, ivermectin usually beats albendazole and mebendazole in effectiveness and tolerability. For onchocerciasis, ivermectin clears the microfilariae (the baby worms) quickly, but it doesn’t kill adult worms—so repeated doses are needed over time.

For ordinary scabies, topical permethrin 5% cream is often first-line. But when people have crusted scabies, widespread disease, or limited access to topical therapy, oral ivermectin becomes very useful. Compared with topical treatments, ivermectin is easier to give to large groups in public health campaigns.

Some infections respond better to other drugs. Albendazole and mebendazole are stronger choices for many intestinal worms (like tapeworms and some soil-transmitted helminths). Doxycycline is useful alongside ivermectin for onchocerciasis because it targets Wolbachia bacteria that help adult filarial worms survive.

Safety, dosing, and choosing the right option

Typical oral ivermectin dosing is about 200 micrograms per kilogram (0.2 mg/kg), often given as a single dose and repeated after one or two weeks for scabies. For some filarial infections, dosing frequency differs—follow specialist advice. Ivermectin is generally well tolerated. Common side effects are mild: dizziness, nausea, or mild headache. Serious reactions are rare but can occur when treating heavy infections like Loa loa—brain inflammation has been reported.

Avoid ivermectin in pregnancy unless a doctor says it’s necessary, and many guidelines advise caution in small children or those under a certain weight. Also tell your clinician about other medicines you take—drug interactions are uncommon but possible.

Want a quick rule? Use ivermectin when the parasite is known to respond well (strongyloides, onchocerciasis, crusted scabies) or when oral treatment is much more practical. Pick topical permethrin for uncomplicated scabies, and choose albendazole/mebendazole for many intestinal worms. For complex cases, specialists often combine drugs (for example, ivermectin plus doxycycline for stubborn filarial disease).

If you’re thinking of buying Stromectol online, talk to a clinician first and use a reputable pharmacy. Get a clear diagnosis and dosing plan—self-treating can be risky, especially with heavy infections or coexisting conditions.

Want a quick comparison or help deciding between options? Ask your doctor or a pharmacist and mention the specific parasite, your health history, and any other meds you take. That makes the choice safer and more likely to work the first time.