Topical ivermectin: A new successful treatment for scabies

Ivermectin is the only one of the avermectins that has been widely used in humans, since it is recommended as the treatment of choice for onchocercias is, a filariasis that produces "river blindness," a parasitic endemic infes tation in countries of West Equatorial Africa and in some areas of Central and South America. Also, ivermectin has been used for treating human endo- and ectoparasites with effective results and with almost no side effects. T o study the efficacy of ivermectin for scabies, which is very common in Col ombia, a trial with this drug that could be easily administered, with fast application and high efficacy, was undertaken. For this purpose, six comple te families with active scabies, consisting of 12 adults and 20 children ra nging in age from 1 to 10 years, were treated with 1% ivermectin in a solut ion of propylene glycol applied topically to the affected skin. The dose em ployed was 400 mug/kg, repeated once the following week. All patients were cured, tolerated the medication well, and there were no side effects or sig ns of recurrence 2, 4, or 6 weeks after therapy. In addition to its efficac y, easy administration, and lack of side effects, ivermectin is a low-cost medication.