Current trend in ivermectin usage for scabies

Abstract

Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic agent widely used for onchocerciasis in humans, is emerging as an oral antiscabietic that is as safe and effective as the topical antiscabietics. In the recent reports, all groups of population responded to ivermectin in the treatment of scabies, including immunocompetent, immunocompromised, and other high-risk populations such as individuals with Down's syndrome. This report reviews the efficacy, the mechanism of action, and the safety profile of ivermectin in the treatment of scabies, particularly its utility in crusted scabies and outbreaks of scabies in institutional settings.