Ivermectin (Systemic) and alcohol

Ask your doctor before using ethanol together with ivermectin. Using ethanol with ivermectin can increase the blood levels or add to the side effects of ivermectin. This can cause skin rash, swelling, headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, seizure (convulsions), shortness of breath, and numbness or tingling. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may increase the plasma concentrations of ivermectin. The mechanism of interaction is unknown. In 20 healthy, nonsmoking patients with onchocerciasis, mean plasma ivermectin concentrations at 1, 3 and 4 hours post-dose (150 mcg/kg) were approximately 34% to 40% higher in the group given the medication with 750 mL of beer (4.5% v/v alcohol) than in controls who ingested the medication with water. There were no side effects in either study or control subjects. However, there have been anecdotal reports of increased central nervous system adverse effects and postural hypotension in patients who combined ivermectin with alcohol.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving ivermectin therapy should preferably avoid the consumption of alcohol to prevent any undue adverse effects of ivermectin.