Kilox

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Kilox

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Kilox

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Ivermectin (INN)
Form Oral tablet (Oral Formulation)
Pharmacological class Antihelminthic, Endectocide
Common use Addressing parasitic infections
Origin Semi-synthetic (Macrocyclic Lactone)

Kilox is a prescription medicine defined by its active ingredient, Ivermectin, which belongs to the distinct chemical class of macrocyclic lactones. It is classified pharmacologically as a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent primarily used to address parasitic infections.

Defining Kilox: Classification and Active Ingredient

Kilox is a single-ingredient product containing Ivermectin, a synthetic compound derived from the naturally occurring avermectins family. Ivermectin is clinically recognized for its potent activity as an antihelminthic drug and endectocide, which means it is effective against both internal and external parasites. This substance’s inclusion on the World Health Organization's Model List of Essential Medicines indicates its status as a core treatment option worldwide.

Composition, Form, and General Purpose

The medicine is designed as an oral tablet for oral administration, making it a convenient systemic treatment for infections within the body. The general purpose of this medicine is to control and eliminate parasitic infestations, such as those that cause river blindness or intestinal threadworm. The Ivermectin component achieves this by selectively binding to specific chloride ion channels in the parasite's nerve and muscle cells, thereby causing paralysis and death.

Regulatory References

  1. World Health Organization's Model List of Essential Medicines

What side effects are possible with Kilox?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Kilox, containing Ivermectin, has an official safety profile structured by governmental regulatory agencies that defines expected adverse reactions based on frequency and affected body systems.

Adverse Reaction Scope

Classification Examples of Officially Documented Effects
Common Pruritus (itching), Headache, Dizziness, Nausea, Diarrhea, Somnolence (drowsiness), Asthenia (weakness), Abdominal pain.
Less Common/Rare Orthostatic Hypotension, Transient Eosinophilia, Arthralgia, Myalgia, and signs of liver dysfunction (Hepatitis, elevated enzymes).
Serious Adverse Reactions Encephalopathy, Seizures, and severe cutaneous reactions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are documented in regulatory sources.

System-Organ Classes Involved

Adverse effects are categorized into groups such as Nervous System Disorders, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders, and Hepatobiliary Disorders in official labeling.

Population-Specific Safety Constraints

The regulatory profile explicitly notes that safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients weighing less than 15 kilograms (kg). Furthermore, the risk of serious and potentially fatal Encephalopathy is specifically heightened for patients with a high microfilarial load of Loa loa co-infection.

Exposure-Related Patterns

A systemic reaction known as the Mazzotti Reaction (fever, pruritus, lymphadenopathy) is officially documented to occur and may peak within the first 3 days after treatment, linked to the destruction of the parasites. Temporary decreases in blood pressure (Orthostatic Hypotension) are also observed, typically on the first few days post-treatment in clinical studies.

Connection to the overall safety profile:

The official safety information structures the understanding of the drug's risk by classifying effects based on their frequency and physiological impact, defining a risk gradient from commonly observed systemic reactions to rare but severe neurological and cutaneous events. This framework requires recognizing that risk is not uniform and increases dramatically for specific pre-existing conditions, as explicitly stated in government regulatory texts.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose from Kilox (Ivermectin) results from acute ingestion in excess of the prescribed dose. Regulatory documents state that toxicity manifests across multiple physiological systems, including the Central Nervous System, Gastrointestinal System, and Cardiovascular System.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Documented overdose presentations may include neurological effects such as confusion, severe sleepiness (somnolence), headache, dizziness, loss of coordination (ataxia), and tremor. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are also commonly reported, along with cardiovascular changes such as hypotension and tachycardia.

Severe Outcomes and Emergency Response

The severity spectrum ranges from moderate symptoms to life-threatening outcomes, specifically including seizures, coma, respiratory failure, and death. Regulatory authorities mandate that individuals seek immediate medical attention for any suspected overdose. Emergency services should be contacted if the person collapses, has a seizure, or has trouble breathing.

Management and Antidote

Management of Ivermectin overdose is primarily symptomatic and supportive. Regulatory documents confirm that no specific antidote is known or identified for this toxicity. Treatment focuses on managing the observed clinical symptoms, which may involve measures such as administering activated charcoal or managing circulatory instability.

Therapeutic Uses of Kilox

Kilox is used within therapeutic areas involving certain distressing symptoms. It is generally used across therapeutic domains where short-term symptomatic assistance is needed to address symptoms associated with acute or disruptive episodes.

Kilox is commonly used across conditions presenting with systemic or localized discomfort, conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms, and situations involving dermatological manifestations like severe itching or irritation. It helps address groups of symptoms that may appear suddenly.

“This medication may support the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress and contributing to improved comfort.”

Supportive Relief for Systemic and Functional Symptoms

This medication is applied in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns, particularly when symptoms create noticeable functional strain. It provides support that helps ease the overall symptom load and assists with maintaining functional stability when conditions produce significant symptomatic burden.

Quick Fact: Relief for Physical Discomfort

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility and Restrictions (Official Regulatory Guidance)

Kilox (Ivermectin) eligibility is strictly defined by regulatory guidelines, establishing specific population exclusions and conditional use requirements. The medicine is contraindicated for any individual with a known history of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any component of the formulation.

Use is restricted by age and weight. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children weighing less than 15 kilograms. While approved for adults, clinical data on subjects aged 65 and over are officially noted as insufficient to determine differential responses, leading to a general recommendation for caution in this group.

For physiological and clinical conditions, the medicine is not recommended during pregnancy as regulatory safety has not been established. For breastfeeding women, use is permitted only when the benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the newborn. Furthermore, patients with severe hepatic impairment or those with specific co-infections, such as heavy Loa loa, require conditional use and careful pretreatment assessment. Finally, Ivermectin is not authorized or approved by major regulatory bodies for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile of Kilox (Ivermectin) is defined by its effects on metabolic pathways and specific pharmacodynamic mechanisms, as documented in official government regulatory sources.

Interaction Scope

Detail Officially Documented Information
Medicinal product categories: Anticoagulants (Vitamin K antagonists) and certain antifungal agents (CYP3A4 inhibitors).
Specific interacting medicines: Warfarin, and specific azole antifungals (e.g., posaconazole, ketoconazole).
Mechanistic basis: Pharmacokinetic interaction (primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 enzyme; P-glycoprotein substrate). Pharmacodynamic interaction (additive effects on blood coagulation).

Interaction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Official Regulatory Stance
Interaction severity: No formal combinations are universally classified as "Contraindicated." Interactions with Warfarin and CYP3A4 inhibitors are classified as clinically significant or use-with-caution combinations.
Context constraints: A high-fat meal results in an approximate 2.5-fold increase in bioavailability of Ivermectin. Consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of specific central nervous system side effects, such as sleepiness and dizziness.

Official Interaction Statements

  • Co-administration with CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as certain antifungal medicines) may reduce Ivermectin clearance, potentially increasing its systemic exposure and the risk of side effects.
  • Co-administration with Warfarin has been associated with an enhanced anticoagulant effect, indicated by rare reports of increased INR.
  • No mandatory administration separation intervals or specific population-dependent interaction severity differences are explicitly documented in the official regulatory labels.

The regulatory documents define the product’s interaction structure based on its metabolic pathways, the P-gp substrate status, and its recognized pharmacodynamic constraint with anticoagulants.

Mechanism of Action

Selective Targeting of Invertebrate Chloride Channels

Kilox acts by selectively binding to Glutamate-gated Chloride Channels ( GluCls), inhibitory receptors present in the parasite’s nerve and muscle cells. This interaction causes the channels to remain open, initiating a massive, uncontrolled influx of chloride ions (Cl^-) that drives the cell membrane into a state of hyperpolarization.

Cascade to Irreversible Flaccid Paralysis

The sustained hyperpolarization prevents all electrical communication and action potentials across the parasite’s nervous and neuromuscular systems. This molecular cascade directly results in flaccid paralysis, a complete cessation of all muscle contraction and coordinated movement, including the ability to feed, leading to the cessation of vital motor functions.

Mechanistic Basis of Target Specificity

The mechanism exhibits selective targeting because its primary molecular target, GluCls, is absent in humans. Furthermore, the human Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), aided by the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux pump, actively limits Ivermectin's access to the human Central Nervous System (CNS), restricting access to mammalian GABA receptors.

Dosage and Administration Information

The administration of Kilox is structured around a weight-based protocol and compliance with specific timing.

Administration Route and Dosing

Kilox is an oral tablet for administration by mouth. The required single dose is calculated based on the patient's body weight in micrograms per kilogram (mcg/kg). The dose is 200 mcg/kg for Strongyloidiasis and 150 mcg/kg for Onchocerciasis.

Frequency and Timing

The medication must be taken on an empty stomach with water. It is a standard requirement that no food should be consumed for two hours before or after administration to optimize absorption.

For Strongyloidiasis, treatment is typically a single, once-only dose. However, for Onchocerciasis, the single dose is part of an intermittent, cyclic treatment schedule. The dose is repeated at specific intervals, such as every 3 to 12 months, as determined by the treatment protocol. Protocol guidelines include follow-up stool examinations to confirm the eradication of Strongyloidiasis.

Population-Specific Rules

Kilox is indicated for use in patients weighing 15 kilograms or more. For children under six years of age who meet the minimum weight threshold, the tablets must be crushed before swallowing to ensure proper administration. No official dose adjustments are specified for older adults or those with renal or hepatic impairment.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Kilox (Ivermectin)

The research evidence for Kilox, which contains the active ingredient Ivermectin, is primarily drawn from clinical trials, systematic reviews, and large-scale public health programs focused on its classification as a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent. The following summarizes the research evidence and what studies have explored.


Evidence for Use in Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)

Clinical evaluation of Kilox for the management of Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) was studied extensively using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and large observational cohort studies conducted over multiple years in endemic regions. This research explored conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations.

Researchers examined specific patient-reported outcomes related to physical discomfort, such as severe itching and skin irritation, and monitored changes in microfilarial load—the number of the parasite's larvae found in the skin. Studies monitored patterns in the microfilarial load, with findings describing a decrease that was tracked for several months after a single administration.

What remains uncertain is the drug's activity against the adult worms (macrofilariae) that cause the infection. As studies generally indicate that Kilox does not kill them, controlling the infection is associated with the need for repeated administration over time, a finding derived from long-term study observations.


Evidence for Use in Strongyloidiasis (Intestinal Threadworm)

Research exploring the use of Kilox for Strongyloidiasis (Intestinal Threadworm) primarily involves controlled clinical trials comparing its use to older antiparasitic agents. These studies monitored outcomes related to functional measures, with the central endpoint being the measurement of parasitological clearance—the confirmation that the parasite is no longer detectable in post-treatment stool samples.

Findings describe patterns where the use of Kilox was associated with measured parasitological clearance in a high proportion of patients. Results were tracked against other administered agents for comparison. However, research highlights changes measured during the study period, including the reappearance of parasite DNA in long-term follow-up for some patients, indicating that confirming complete eradication of the infection remains a focus of short-term study patterns.


Research Gaps and Uncertainties

The evidence landscape contributes to the broader understanding of symptom patterns, but there remain areas where certainty is low and research is ongoing.

Scientific and regulatory bodies have reviewed research exploring the use of Kilox for non-parasitic conditions, such as certain viral infections. Systematic reviews have reported that findings were mixed or inconsistent across these studies. Scientific reviews indicate that findings were mixed, and the available data provide limited insight for its use for these conditions outside of controlled clinical trials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Kilox (FAQ)


Q: Can people who have kidney issues use Kilox?

Official regulatory documentation indicates that no specific dose adjustments are explicitly specified for patients with renal (kidney) impairment. This information is used by healthcare professionals when determining the appropriate course of action.

Q: Is Kilox safe for the elderly?

Regulatory labeling notes that there is currently insufficient clinical data on subjects aged 65 and over to definitively determine if their responses to Kilox differ from those of younger adults. Due to this data gap, official guidance documents describe the need for caution when considering use in this age group.

Q: What kind of monitoring is recommended when using Kilox?

Monitoring practices described in official documents are related to the treatment indication and potential risks. For example, follow-up stool examinations are recommended to confirm parasite eradication in patients treated for Strongyloidiasis. Additionally, official information reports signs of liver dysfunction as a potential adverse effect.

Q: Can Kilox be split or crushed?

Regulatory guidance specifies that for children under six years of age who meet the minimum weight requirement, the tablets are required to be crushed before swallowing to support proper administration. No general instruction for crushing or splitting the tablets for other patients is described in the official product information.

Q: Does taking Kilox require any special lifestyle changes?

Official information describes administration constraints related to food, requiring the medication to be taken on an empty stomach and avoiding a high-fat meal. Additionally, consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of central nervous system side effects like sleepiness or dizziness. Common side effects, such as drowsiness, may affect the ability to carry out daily activities.

Q: Can I drive or operate machinery while using Kilox?

Official safety profiles list side effects such as dizziness and somnolence (drowsiness) as common occurrences associated with the medicine. Since these effects can impact coordination and alertness, users should be aware of this potential impact on activities like driving or operating heavy machinery.

Q: How quickly do the side effects of Kilox usually start?

Official documents describe specific timing for certain reactions related to the parasite's destruction. For instance, a systemic reaction known as the Mazzotti Reaction may peak within the first three days after treatment. Temporary decreases in blood pressure (Orthostatic Hypotension) are also typically observed during the first few days post-treatment.

Q: Is the effectiveness of Kilox the same for all age groups?

Regulatory labeling notes that clinical data on subjects aged 65 and over are officially recorded as insufficient to determine differential treatment responses in this age group when compared to younger adults.

Q: Does Kilox need to be taken at a specific time of day?

The timing of the dose is dictated by the food requirements, rather than a specific hour of the day. Regulatory documents state the medication must be taken on an empty stomach with water, and that no food should be consumed for two hours before or after administration.

Q: Is Kilox appropriate for children or adolescents?

Official regulatory guidance indicates that safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients weighing less than 15 kilograms (33 pounds). It is approved for use in patients weighing 15 kg or more, including adolescents.

Q: Does Kilox cause weight changes?

Regulatory documentation that summarizes the drug's safety profile notes that unusual weight gain or loss has been reported as a less common side effect associated with the medication.

Q: What is the risk of dependence or addiction with Kilox?

The active ingredient in the medicine, Ivermectin, is classified by regulatory agencies as Not a controlled medication. Official product classification documents do not list dependence or addiction as a concern.

Q: Can Kilox cause changes in mood or anxiety levels?

Regulatory documents that track adverse events have reported mood or mental status changes, as well as confusion and agitation, in the rare adverse reactions category.

Q: Is Kilox available in different strengths?

According to the official product labeling and prescribing information, the oral tablet formulation containing the active ingredient is available in different physical strengths, such as 3 mg and 6 mg tablets.

Q: How long does Kilox stay in your system after stopping it?

Pharmacokinetic data from official documents indicate that the plasma half-life of the active ingredient is approximately 18 hours following oral administration. The active ingredient and its metabolites are then excreted almost entirely in the feces over an estimated 12 days.

Q: Is Kilox a generic drug or a brand name?

Kilox is the brand name used for the oral tablet formulation containing the active ingredient Ivermectin. Ivermectin itself is widely recognized and available as a generic medicine.

Q: What does the patient information leaflet say about overdose symptoms for Kilox?

Official regulatory information describes potential signs of overdose. These may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension (low blood pressure), allergic reactions, dizziness, and problems with balance. More serious effects, such as seizures and coma, are also described in official information.

How should Kilox be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Kilox?

The storage and disposal of Kilox (Ivermectin oral tablets) must adhere strictly to regulatory guidelines to ensure product stability and environmental safety.


Storage Conditions

Official labeling mandates that the product be stored at controlled room temperature, typically between 20^circmathrmC and 25^circmathrmC (68^circmathrmF to 77^circmathrmF), with excursions permitted up to 30^circmathrmC. The tablets must be kept in their original container, which should remain tightly closed, and must be protected from both light and moisture. It is required to keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children and keep from freezing.


Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Kilox should not be disposed of via wastewater or household trash. Disposal must be carried out in accordance with local and national regulations for pharmaceutical waste to prevent environmental release.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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