Adverse events following mass ivermectin therapy for onchocerciasis.
The Achi community of south-east Nigeria was given mass ivermectin therapy to control endemic onchocerciasis. 7556 subjects (75.6% of those eligible) were dosed. 992 patients (13.1%) complained of adverse effects, mostly within one week of dosing. Adverse events were mainly of the Mazzotti type. Exacerbation of pruritus (71.2%), oedema (47.4%), headache (46.4%), and worsening of rash (24.4%) were the most common. In 962 subjects (97%), adverse events were mild and did not prevent work. Two patients suffered severe sustained postural hypotension. The incidence of adverse events was greater in villages with a high load of microfilarial infection.
Chijioke
C P
CP
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus.
Okonkwo
P O
PO
D000818:Animals; D000977:Antiparasitic Agents; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D009855:Onchocerciasis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000977:Antiparasitic Agents; D007559:Ivermectin