Ivermectin for the treatment of resistant scabies.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the clinical literature describing the use of ivermectin in cases of treatment-resistant scabies infestations.


METHODS
Clinical literature accessed through a MEDLINE search (1966-July 2001) and the Cochrane Database.


RESULTS
A limited number of case reports and case series describes successful intervention with ivermectin use in patients who have failed prior therapy. Ivermectin may serve as a viable alternative therapy as the incidence of resistant scabitic infestations increases.


CONCLUSIONS
Ivermectin appears to be a safe and effective alternative for patients with treatment-resistant scabies. Larger, controlled clinical trials are required before this therapy can be recommended in the general population or as primary therapy.
Cook
Aaron M
AM
University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0701, USA. amcook@utmb,edu
Romanelli
Frank
F
D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012532:Scabies / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007559:Ivermectin