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
onchocerciasis, a
filariasis that produces "
river blindness," a parasitic endemic infestation 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. To study the efficacy of
ivermectin for
scabies, which is very common in Colombia, a trial with this
drug that could be easily administered, with fast application and high efficacy, was undertaken. For this purpose, six complete families with active
scabies, consisting of 12 adults and 20 children ranging in age from 1 to 10 years, were treated with 1%
ivermectin in a
solution of
propylene glycol applied topically to the affected skin. The dose employed was 400 microg/kg, repeated once the following week. All patients were cured, tolerated the medication well, and there were no side effects or signs of recurrence 2, 4, or 6 weeks after
therapy. In addition to its efficacy, easy administration, and lack of side effects,
ivermectin is a low-cost medication.