- ivermectin
- A semisynthetic macrolide antibiotic effective in the treatment of filariasis. The drug destroys Onchocerca microfilaria and Filaria bancrofti. Also approved by the FDA for the treatment of scabies by topical administration.
* * *
iver·mec·tin .ī-vər-'mek-tən n a drug mixture of two structurally similar semisynthetic macrocyclic lactones that is used in veterinary medicine as an anthelmintic, acaricide, and insecticide and in human medicine to treat onchocerciasis* * *
n.a drug used in the treatment of onchocerciasis. It acts by killing the immature forms (microfilaria) of the parasite. Ivermectin is also used to treat creeping eruption, strongyloidiasis, and scabies. It is administered by mouth; side-effects, which are mild, include itching and swollen lymph nodes. Trade name: Mectizan.* * *
iver·mec·tin (i″vər-mekґtin) [USP] a semisynthetic member of the avermectin group, most commonly used as an antiparasitic in domestic animals; it is sometimes used to treat human onchocerciasis and as a secondary agent to treat intestinal strongyloidiasis; administered orally.
Medical dictionary. 2011.