Tag: Mazzotti reaction

Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic drug with a history of use in both human and veterinary medicine, but it is also associated with a range of side effects. While typically well-tolerated at prescribed doses for conditions like strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, the major side effects of ivermectin can range from common gastrointestinal upset to severe neurological toxicity, especially in cases of misuse or overdose.

According to the National Institutes of Health, oral ivermectin has a well-established safety profile in adults when used for approved parasitic infections, with a low rate of adverse reactions. However, it is crucial for adults to understand what are the side effects of ivermectin in adults, as these can range from mild and transient to serious, particularly in cases of misuse or high parasite load.

First documented in 1948 by Italian physician Luigi Mazzotti, the Mazzotti reaction is a complex and potentially severe inflammatory syndrome triggered by the treatment of certain parasitic infections. It is most notoriously associated with the use of the drug diethylcarbamazine (DEC) for onchocerciasis, or river blindness.