Aveida (ivermectin/metronidazole)

Acne Antibiotics Topical Gel (Gram)

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Ivermectin, a semisynthetic, avermectin-derivative, is used topically as a pediculicide.

Metronidazole is a synthetic, nitroimidazole-derivative antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent and also has direct anti-inflammatory effects and effects on neutrophil motility, lymphocyte transformation, and some aspects of cell-mediated immunity.

Ivermectin is a semisynthetic, avermectin-derivative used as an anthelmintic, pediculicide, and scabicide. Avermectins are macrocyclic lactones isolated from the fermentation products of Streptomyces avermitilis and are similar to macrolide antibacterials but possess no antibacterial properties. Ivermectin is a mixture of 2 chemically modified avermectins: at least 90% is 22,23-dihydroavermectin B1a (H2B1a) and less than 10% is 22,23-dihydroavermectin B1b (H2B1b).

Ivermectin binds selectively and with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, leading to an increase in the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions with hyperpolarization of the cell leading to paralysis and death of the parasite. Ivermectin also appears to interact with other ligand-gated chloride channels, such as those gated by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Topically applied ivermectin is pediculicidal, but is not ovicidal. In vitro studies indicate that ivermectin has activity against human head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) and has shown activity against a permethrin-resistant strain. Topical administration has resulted in death of nearly all newly hatched nymphs and adult lice within 48 hours.

There is some evidence suggesting that ivermectin may interfere with louse mouthparts, resulting in impaired feeding in treated lice.

For the topical treatment of pediculosis capitis (head lice infestation), ivermectin is commercially available as a 0.5% lotion in a vehicle that includes olive oil, oleyl alcohol, Crodalan AWS, lanolin alcohol, cyclomethicone, shea butter, sodium citrate, sorbitan tristearate, methylparaben, propylparaben, and citric acid. The lotion is off-white to tan in color.

Low concentrations of ivermectin are absorbed following topical application. Following a single topical application of ivermectin 0.5% lotion in 20 children (6 months to 3 years of age) with head lice infestation, the mean peak plasma concentration of the drug was 0.24 ng/mL (lower limit of quantitation 0.05 ng/mL) and the mean area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) was 6.7 hrxng/mL. These values are lower than those observed following an oral dose of 165 mcg/kg of ivermectin.

Systemically absorbed ivermectin is metabolized in the liver, principally by CYP3A4, and eliminated almost exclusively in feces.

Generic name: ivermectin/metronidazole
Drug class: Acne Antibiotics
Therapeutic class: Dermatological

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

No indications are available for this drug.

Dosing

Patients with severe hepatic disease metabolize metronidazole slowly, which can result in the accumulation of the drug and its metabolites in plasma. Therefore, the manufacturers recommend that metronidazole vaginal gel be used with caution in patients with severe hepatic disease.

Drug interactions

Drug interaction studies have not been performed to date with ivermectin 0.5% lotion.

Because metronidazole can be absorbed systemically following intravaginal application, the possibility that drug interactions could occur with this route of administration should be considered. Small amounts of metronidazole may be absorbed systemically following topical application to the skin, but the likelihood of systemic interactions following topical administration of the drug is less than with oral or parenteral administration.

Contraindications

The manufacturer states there are no contraindications to use of ivermectin 0.5% lotion.

Adverse reactions

Conjunctivitis, ocular hyperemia, eye irritation, dandruff, dry skin, and burning skin sensation were reported in less than 1% of patients 6 months of age or older after a single 10-minute topical application of ivermectin 0.5% lotion.

Precautions

No enhanced messaging available.

ICD codes

No ICD codes are available for this drug.

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data