Drug used orally for treating scabies: March 2009

Ans. B: Rifampicin Ivermectin is the only orally administered drug used for ectoparasitosis (scabies and pediculosis). A single dose of Ivermectin has been repoed to reduce the load of scabies but another dose is required after 2 weeks for full eradication. As Ivermectin is easily administered (not requiring a rub-down of the whole body like lindane or permethrin twice per treatment), compliance is much higher among self-administering patients. Ivermectin is used in eradication programs of many parasites of both human and animal. Side effects may include mild abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, myalgia and/or ahralgia, but they all usually diminish even while treatment is still underway. The product is considered safe for use in children over five years of age.