A-Mectin 12 mg Tablet, 1 strip

A-Mectin 12 mg Tablet (Ivermectin) — Product Overview

What is A-Mectin (Ivermectin)?

A-Mectin contains Ivermectin, a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug belonging to the avermectin class. Ivermectin is a WHO Essential Medicine used worldwide since the 1980s for a wide range of parasitic infections. It is the drug of choice for scabies, pediculosis (head lice), and intestinal helminth infections common in Bangladesh. A-Mectin 12 mg provides a convenient high-dose option particularly useful for adults requiring the standard 200 mcg/kg single-dose regimen.

Mechanism of Action

Ivermectin selectively binds to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels found in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells. This causes hyperpolarisation of neuronal membranes, leading to flaccid paralysis and death of the parasite. These channels do not exist in mammals, making ivermectin highly selective for parasites with minimal toxicity to humans. Ivermectin also enhances GABA-mediated neurotransmission in parasites and interferes with parasite reproduction at sublethal concentrations.

Indications

• Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei): First-line oral treatment, especially for crusted (Norwegian) scabies or topical treatment failures. Two doses 1–2 weeks apart recommended
• Head lice (Pediculosis capitis): Oral alternative when topical treatments fail
• Strongyloidiasis: Intestinal roundworm — single-dose cure rate over 95%
• Onchocerciasis (River Blindness): First-line treatment
• Lymphatic filariasis: Mass drug administration programs
• Cutaneous larva migrans: Creeping eruption from animal hookworm larvae

Dosage — Weight-Based

Standard dose: 200 mcg/kg body weight as a single oral dose.

• Body weight 60 kg → 12 mg (1 tablet of A-Mectin 12 mg)
• Body weight 80 kg → ~16 mg (use combination of 6 mg + 12 mg per doctor's advice)

Scabies: Two doses 7–14 days apart for optimal cure — a single dose may not eliminate all mite eggs.

Administration: Take on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours before or after food. Fatty meals increase absorption 2.5× and may increase side effects. Take with water.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to ivermectin
• Children under 15 kg body weight
• Pregnancy (Category C) — avoid unless benefit clearly outweighs risk
• Loiasis endemic regions — check for Loa loa infection before prescribing

Side Effects

Mazzotti reaction (in onchocerciasis): fever, itching, rash, headache due to dying microfilariae — a therapeutic response, not toxicity.

GI: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort — mild and self-limiting.

CNS (rare): Dizziness, somnolence — mainly at very high doses or in patients with MDR1 gene variants.

Serious (very rare): Hepatitis, neurological events in high Loa loa microfilaraemia.

Drug Interactions

• Warfarin: May enhance anticoagulant effect — monitor INR
• P-glycoprotein inhibitors (ketoconazole): May increase ivermectin plasma levels

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How does ivermectin treat scabies?
A: Ivermectin paralyses and kills Sarcoptes scabiei mites. A second dose 7–14 days later targets newly hatched mites from eggs that survived the first dose. Most cases resolve within 2–4 weeks of a two-dose course.

Q: Should A-Mectin be taken with or without food?
A: Always on an empty stomach — 2 hours before or after food. A fatty meal increases absorption 2.5×, raising side effect risk without improving efficacy.

Q: How do I calculate my dose?
A: The standard dose is 200 mcg/kg. Multiply your weight in kg by 0.2 to get the dose in mg. A 60 kg person needs 12 mg = 1 tablet of A-Mectin 12 mg.

Q: Is ivermectin safe for children?
A: Safe for children weighing 15 kg or more using weight-based dosing. Not recommended below 15 kg. Always use under medical supervision for children.

Medical Disclaimer

For educational purposes only. Use ivermectin only as prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use for unverified indications. Keep out of reach of children under 15 kg.