Scabo

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Scabo

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

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 Scabo

What is Scabo? Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Ivermectin (INN)
Form Oral Tablet
Pharmacological Class Anthelmintic (Endectocide)
General Purpose To eliminate parasitic organisms
Origin Semi-synthetic (from Streptomyces avermitilis products)

What is Scabo and Its Active Ingredient, Ivermectin?

Scabo is a medicine defined by its single active component, Ivermectin, which is commonly administered as an Oral Tablet for systemic treatment, distinguishing it from topical forms used for localized skin conditions. The active ingredient, Ivermectin, is classified as a semi-synthetic derivative belonging to the macrocyclic lactone class, which originates from compounds isolated from the soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis. This specialized origin highlights the drug's unique chemical structure, which contributes to its distinct profile.

Scabo's Classification and General Purpose

Scabo is formally placed within the Anthelmintic pharmacological class, a category of medicines developed to expel or destroy parasitic worms. It is clinically recognized as an Endectocide, a distinction that highlights its effectiveness against both internal parasites (endoparasites) and external parasites (ectoparasites). This broad classification means the medication is globally acknowledged as a foundational agent for treating various parasitic infestations.

The fundamental purpose of Scabo is the effective clearance of susceptible parasitic organisms from the body. It achieves this by selectively disrupting the nervous and muscular systems of the parasites, which rapidly leads to their paralysis and death. Through the oral route of administration, the medicine circulates systemically to target and eliminate widespread parasitic burdens, thereby resolving the underlying infestation.

What side effects are possible with Scabo?

The possible side effects and safety characteristics of Scabo (Ivermectin) are formally classified and documented in official government regulatory information.

Adverse Reactions and Frequencies

The documented adverse reactions are categorized by frequency and the affected System-Organ Class (SOC). Common reactions, which may affect up to 1 in 10 people, frequently involve the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue (such as pruritus and rash), Gastrointestinal Disorders (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting), and General Disorders (fever, asthenia). Other common effects may include dizziness or transient elevations in liver enzyme levels.

Serious Adverse Reactions

The medicine’s safety profile explicitly documents the rare occurrence of Serious Adverse Reactions. These include the severe cutaneous reactions, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Furthermore, the risk of encephalopathy (a severe neurological event) is officially noted, particularly in individuals co-infected with a high microfilarial load of the Loa loa parasite.

Safety Considerations

Adverse reactions that occur following treatment for parasitic infestations are often a manifestation of the host's immune reaction to the dying microfilariae, which may be more pronounced in patients with a heavy parasitic burden. The medicine is contraindicated in individuals with a known history of hypersensitivity to the active substance or any excipients. Caution is also advised in patients presenting with severe renal or hepatic impairment.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Regulatory documents specify the signs and required immediate actions for a suspected overdose of Scabo (Ivermectin). Exposure to levels beyond those authorized may lead to severe systemic effects, necessitating urgent clinical attention.

Documented Manifestations Severe Outcomes and Complications
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain. Life-Threatening: Seizures, coma, respiratory failure, or death.
Cardiovascular: Hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia. Specific Risk: Potentiation of CNS depression with concurrent use of other CNS depressant medications.
Neurological: Headache, dizziness, confusion, stupor, tremors, loss of coordination (ataxia), and visual hallucinations. Exposure Risk: Severe toxicity is often associated with the ingestion of highly concentrated veterinary formulations.

Required Emergency Actions and Management

  • Seek immediate medical attention and contact emergency services or a poison control center immediately upon suspected overdose.
  • Overdose management is symptomatic and supportive, as no specific antidote is known in the regulatory literature.
  • Interventions such as gastric decontamination and the use of activated charcoal may be considered by healthcare professionals following substantial oral ingestion.

The officially defined overdose profile highlights the immediate need for medical intervention due to the risk of neurological deterioration. Continuous hospital monitoring is required to manage potentially life-threatening complications.

Therapeutic Uses of Scabo

What Scabo Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Scabo is commonly used across specific therapeutic domains to provide systemic support for conditions caused by parasitic organisms, focusing on supporting the clearance of the parasitic organism and the reduction of associated symptoms. The oral form is relevant for conditions presenting with disruptive parasitic manifestations, applied in global public health strategies and individual patient care contexts.

The medication plays a role in managing symptoms related to intestinal threadworm disease (Strongyloidiasis), River Blindness (Onchocerciasis), and severe infestations like Crusted Scabies. By supporting the clearance of these internal and external parasitic burdens, the treatment may assist with maintaining functional stability and helps ease the overall symptom burden in the gastrointestinal tract and skin.

“This systemic approach offers supportive relief for addressing widespread parasitic organisms, especially when the parasitic organisms are widespread.”

In clinical settings, Scabo is commonly used when symptoms that interfere with daily comfort, such as the intense, widespread itching linked to Severe Scabies, require systemic management. This approach may assist in reducing the progression of severe manifestations like visual impairment and chronic skin lesions.


Quick Fact: Relief for Parasitic Symptoms
Primary Focus Supporting the clearance of Strongyloides and Onchocerca infections.
Symptom Benefit Helps ease the overall symptom burden in the gut and may assist with easing intense dermal itching.
Key Scenarios Systemic treatment for Neglected Tropical Diseases and severe mite infestations.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Scabo?

The eligibility for using Scabo (Ivermectin) is strictly defined by regulatory guidelines concerning patient status, weight, and existing conditions. The official prescribing information establishes clear exclusions and mandatory conditional requirements for use.


Key Eligibility Rules

Population Group Regulatory Status Restriction Basis
Minimum Weight Approved for use Patients weighing 15 kilograms or more.
Pediatric Use Use not established Safety and effectiveness not established for patients under 15 kg.
Pregnancy Not recommended Safety has not been established; only use when strictly indicated.
Older Adults Conditional Use Caution is required due to the increased frequency of decreased organ function.

Absolute Contraindications

Scabo must not be used in the following populations as determined by official regulatory documents:

  • Patients with a known hypersensitivity to Ivermectin or to any component of the product.
  • Patients with a prior history of a Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reaction (e.g., Stevens-Johnson Syndrome) to Ivermectin.

Conditional Use Constraints

Use of Scabo requires special assessment for individuals from areas where Loa loa is endemic, due to the regulatory requirement for pretreatment assessment. Use in breastfeeding mothers is also restricted, particularly immediately following childbirth, due to drug excretion in human milk.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Scabo Interactions with other medicines and products

Interaction Scope

Property Description
Medicinal product categories with documented interactions: P-glycoprotein (P-gp) Inhibitors and Inducers, CNS Depressants, Vitamin K Antagonists (e.g., Warfarin).
Specific interacting medicines (if explicitly listed): Warfarin (and related Vitamin K antagonists). Specific examples of P-gp modulators are derived from regulatory data on the interaction mechanism.
Mechanistic basis of interactions (only if stated in label): P-glycoprotein ( P-gp) Efflux Transporter interaction (Ivermectin is a substrate and inhibitor). Pharmacodynamic (PD) Interaction leading to additive CNS effects. Metabolism primarily by CYP3A4.
Timing-based interaction rules (if applicable): The tablet must be taken on an empty stomach to ensure consistent drug exposure.
Population-specific interaction notes (if applicable): None explicitly stated as a restriction where the severity of a documented interaction is selectively heightened in a patient subgroup as a formal labeled restriction.
Interaction-related restrictions: Food: Must not be taken with food, as a high-fat meal can officially result in an approximate 2.5-fold increase in bioavailability relative to administration in the fasted state.

Interaction Classifications (High-Level)

Property Description
Interaction severity classification (as defined in official documents): Contraindicated Combination: None explicitly listed as an absolute combination prohibition. Clinically Significant Interaction: Warfarin (requires monitoring), P-gp modulators (alter exposure), and CNS depressants (enhanced CNS effects).
Regulatory basis (EMA / FDA / etc.): FDA Prescribing Information (STROMECTOL®) and authoritative health authority documents.
Interaction-context constraints (as defined in official documents): Mandatory Administration Timing: The administration must adhere to the empty stomach requirement due to the documented drug-food pharmacokinetic interaction.

Resulting Interaction Structure

Official interaction statements:

  • P-glycoprotein Modulators: Co-administration with substances that inhibit the P-gp efflux transporter may increase the plasma concentration of Ivermectin.
  • Warfarin (Vitamin K Antagonists): Post-marketing reports have rarely noted an increase in the INR (International Normalized Ratio) when Ivermectin was co-administered with Warfarin, indicating a potential enhanced anticoagulant effect.
  • CNS Depressants: The co-administration of Ivermectin with other medicines that are CNS depressants may lead to an increased potency and risk of resulting CNS effects.
  • Food: Ingestion of the tablet with food, specifically a high-fat meal, has been shown to increase the systemic bioavailability of Ivermectin by approximately 2.5-fold.
  • Alcohol (Ethanol): Consumption of alcohol during treatment may increase the risk of certain central nervous system effects, such as dizziness and sleepiness.

Connection to the overall interaction profile (2–4 sentences):

The regulatory documents define Ivermectin’s interaction structure primarily through its involvement as a substrate and inhibitor of the P-glycoprotein transporter, which determines the potential for exposure-modifying interactions with a broad category of medicines. Additionally, the profile includes documented pharmacodynamic reinforcement with CNS depressants and Warfarin, alongside a mandatory drug-food timing restriction required to control the amount of drug absorbed.

Mechanism of Action

Ion Channel Agonism: The Mechanism of Selective Paralysis

Scabo’s active ingredient selectively targets ligand-gated chloride ion channels (LGCCs), specifically the glutamate-gated chloride (GluCl) channels, which are unique to the nerve and muscle cells of invertebrate parasites. The drug functions as an allosteric agonist and modulator, binding to the channel and promoting its sustained opening.

This molecular interaction initiates a mechanistic cascade defined by a massive influx of negatively charged chloride ions into the target cells. This ion flux generates a severe and sustained hyperpolarization of the cell membrane, making the cells refractory to excitatory signals. The resulting neurotransmission blockade causes the core physiological change of flaccid paralysis in the parasite's somatic and pharyngeal musculature, leading to the cessation of coordinated movement and feeding function.

This mechanism maintains specificity by exploiting the structural divergence of these channels from mammalian counterparts. Furthermore, access to the central nervous system in the human host is restricted by the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB).

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Scabo

Scabo is administered as an Oral Tablet for systemic treatment, and its usage is defined by precise, weight-based calculations and strict timing protocols. The standard regimen is a single dose, which may be repeated intermittently depending on the parasitic condition being addressed.


Administration Scope

Instruction Domain Standard Instruction
Route of administration Oral
Dosing schedule Calculated based on body weight: typically 200 micrograms per kilogram (mcg/kg) for Strongyloidiasis and 150 mcg/kg for Onchocerciasis.
Timing in relation to meals Must be taken on an empty stomach with water. Patients should refrain from eating for two hours before and two hours after administration.
Preparation requirements For children who cannot swallow the tablet, it may be crushed prior to swallowing.
Age-group administration rules Use is generally not established in children weighing less than 15 kg.

Procedural Structure and Frequency

Treatment for Strongyloidiasis involves a single oral dose. For Onchocerciasis, the medicine is used in an intermittent, cyclical dosing pattern where the single dose is typically repeated every 3 to 12 months, corresponding to the parasite's life cycle and the clinical need for retreatment. For certain immunocompromised patients with Strongyloidiasis, a modified schedule involving repeated or suppressive dosing may be required.

These instructions establish a standardized protocol centered on a precise, weight-based calculation and the empty stomach constraint, defining the drug's short-term and long-term usage pattern.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Scabo: Recent Clinical Evidence

The research evidence for oral Scabo (Ivermectin) is drawn from studies conducted globally, focusing on parasitic diseases. The evidence describes what has been observed in relation to the parasitic infection and related patient outcomes during controlled studies. This overview summarizes the types of research and where regulatory bodies and researchers note remaining uncertainty.


Evidence for use in Intestinal Threadworm Disease (Strongyloidiasis)

Research primarily uses Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews to explore outcomes related to the clearance of the Strongyloides stercoralis parasite from stool samples (parasitological cure rate). Studies examined how symptoms evolved in immunocompetent adults and children. Some reports describe the patterns of parasite-free status rates measured in the studies, which may differ from rates measured in older treatment regimens. However, data for certain groups remain insufficient, especially regarding patients who have compromised immune systems.


Evidence for use in River Blindness (Onchocerciasis)

The evidence base is extensive, including large-scale Mass Drug Administration (MDA) program evaluations and long-term cohort studies. Research monitored measured changes in the microfilarial load in the skin and explored outcomes related to the occurrence of associated complications like severe visual impairment. Across multiple studies, data show patterns related to measured changes in microfilariae following administration. The key limitation often cited is that long-term effects are not fully established regarding the long-term survival of the adult worms (macrofilariae).


Evidence for use in Crusted and Severe Scabies

For severe Scabies, the evidence includes smaller Randomized Controlled Trials and detailed case reports. Research examined clinical cure—the clearance of mites and resolution of severe skin symptoms. Findings often indicate differences in measured outcomes depending on whether the oral treatment was used alone or in combination with topical creams. Evidence quality varies across studies due to small sample sizes, and follow-up durations were limited for fully characterizing recurrence or relapse risk.


Synthesis of Research Gaps and Uncertainty

The current research highlights key areas where more data are needed. Comparative evidence is limited for Scabies when examining oral-only versus combination therapy. The results apply only to the populations studied; for instance, findings for large endemic community groups may not perfectly translate to individuals in non-endemic settings. Additionally, evidence suggests that safety has not been established in children weighing less than 15 kilograms, leading to their exclusion from research programs. Overall, research is ongoing to fill these gaps and assess long-term impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Scabo (FAQ)


Q: What is the core difference between Scabo and a generic medication for the same condition?

Scabo is the brand name for the active ingredient Ivermectin. According to regulatory standards, a generic version must contain the same active ingredient and be manufactured to meet pharmaceutical equivalence and performance requirements, which is referred to as bioequivalence. The primary differences typically involve the brand name, cost, and the specific inactive ingredients (excipients).


Q: How soon after starting Scabo might a patient typically begin to notice a benefit?

Official documents describe the medicine’s mechanism of action as rapid paralysis of the parasite’s musculature. While the drug’s effect on the parasite is described as rapid, official information does not provide a specific time frame for when a patient can expect to notice an improvement in their symptoms.


Q: Are there any specific lifestyle changes that are recommended while taking Scabo?

Yes, official regulatory guidance states the medicine is to be taken on an empty stomach to ensure proper absorption. Additionally, official documents recommend caution regarding alcohol consumption during treatment, as it may increase the risk of central nervous system effects such as dizziness and sleepiness.


Q: Does taking Scabo generally affect a person's ability to drive or operate machinery?

Official documents caution that side effects such as dizziness or sleepiness have been reported. These effects may potentially impair a person’s ability to concentrate or react, so caution is generally advised when driving or operating machinery while taking this medicine.


Q: Are there any known interactions between Scabo and common over-the-counter pain relievers?

The medicine is primarily processed in the body by the CYP3A4 system, but official information does not list a specific interaction for common over-the-counter pain relievers. You should consult a healthcare provider regarding all concurrent medications.


Q: What kind of routine medical monitoring is typically recommended while using Scabo?

For the standard single-dose treatment, routine, general medical monitoring is typically not required. However, depending on the patient’s other medications or if they live in an area where a specific parasite (Loa loa) is present, specific tests or monitoring may be necessary.


Q: Is Scabo known to have any potential for dependence or addiction?

Official prescribing information does not list this medicine as having any known potential for dependence or addiction.


Q: Are the side effects of Scabo known to worsen over the first few weeks of use?

Official documents note that side effects, particularly those related to the body’s immune reaction to dying parasites (often called the Mazzotti reaction), may be more pronounced soon after treatment, especially in patients with a heavy parasitic burden.


Q: What is the recommended procedure if a patient misses a dose of Scabo?

Since the standard regimen is a single dose, a missed dose procedure is generally not applicable. For those on a repeated or cyclical dosing regimen, consultation with the prescribing healthcare provider is generally recommended for rescheduling.


Q: Where can patients access the official regulatory prescribing information (e.g., Package Insert or SmPC) for Scabo?

The full official regulatory information, such as the Prescribing Information (US) or the Summary of Product Characteristics (Europe), is publicly available on the websites of the relevant health authorities, such as the FDA, EMA, or MHRA.


Q: Are there any known interactions between Scabo and common vitamin or mineral supplements?

Official information does not list specific vitamins or mineral supplements as interacting with the medicine. However, caution is advised if taking any substance that may interact with the P-glycoprotein efflux transporter, a mechanism by which the drug is transported in the body.


Q: Can the use of Scabo potentially interfere with or affect routine lab test results?

Yes, official information indicates that the medicine is known to cause transient elevations in liver enzyme levels. This is one type of laboratory finding that may be affected by the drug.


Q: Is Scabo known to affect fertility or reproductive health in men or women?

Studies conducted in animals have indicated no adverse effects on fertility. Official documents state that data regarding the medicine’s effect on human fertility are not currently available.


Q: How long does the drug Scabo typically remain in the body after the last dose is taken?

The medicine is eliminated from the body relatively slowly. Official pharmacokinetic data shows that the drug has an approximate average half-life of 18 hours following oral administration.


Q: Is Scabo widely studied, and are there ongoing clinical trials for new uses?

Official documents summarize the extensive clinical evidence base across the approved indications. Research efforts are ongoing to fill gaps and assess long-term impact.


Q: Is it possible to use Scabo if I have a known allergy to other medications?

The only absolute restriction (contraindication) listed in the official label is a known hypersensitivity to Ivermectin or to any component of the Scabo product itself. The label does not address cross-reactivity with allergies to unrelated medicines.


Q: Does Scabo carry a 'Boxed Warning' or equivalent serious caution from regulatory bodies?

Scabo does not currently carry a Boxed Warning in the United States. However, the label does include explicit, serious warnings regarding the potential for severe cutaneous adverse reactions and encephalopathy.


Q: What is the general difference between an adverse reaction and a side effect of Scabo?

In regulatory language, an Adverse Reaction refers to an undesirable event that is documented and specifically linked to the drug’s use. Side Effect is a general, non-clinical term often used to refer to any known effect (whether desirable or not) of the medicine.


Q: Are there any official warnings about taking Scabo with grapefruit or grapefruit juice products?

Official prescribing information does not list any specific warnings or interactions regarding the co-ingestion of Scabo with grapefruit or grapefruit juice.


Q: What medical specialty typically initiates or manages the prescription of Scabo?

While any qualified physician can prescribe the medicine, the treatment of the specific parasitic diseases (like Strongyloidiasis or Onchocerciasis) is often managed by specialists in infectious diseases, tropical medicine, or dermatology.


Q: Are changes in body weight (gain or loss) a known, officially reported side effect of Scabo?

Official regulatory documents do not list changes in body weight (including either weight gain or weight loss) as a reported side effect of Scabo.


Q: Are there regional variations in the approved uses or labeling of Scabo globally?

Yes, due to different public health needs, regulatory processes, and specific trial data reviewed in each country, there can be variations in the approved indications and labeling information for Scabo across global regions.


Q: Is Scabo ever available without a prescription or over the counter in any major region?

In most major regions where it is approved, including the United States and Europe, Scabo is available only by prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.


Q: What does official data say about the persistence of benefits after discontinuing Scabo?

The persistence of benefits is linked to the drug's effect on the parasite’s life cycle. Because some parasites may have life stages not killed by the initial dose, effectiveness is monitored through repeated testing, and re-treatment may be required depending on the specific parasitic condition.


Q: Does Scabo have different names or brands in other countries?

Yes, the active ingredient, Ivermectin, is an internationally recognized generic name, but it is marketed and sold under various brand names globally, depending on the manufacturer and the country.


Q: Are there any known interactions between Scabo and common cold or flu medications?

No specific cold or flu medications are listed by name. However, caution is advised when taking any non-prescription medicine that may cause central nervous system effects such as sleepiness or dizziness, as this could enhance similar effects from Scabo.

How should Scabo be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Scabo (Ivermectin) Tablets

Ivermectin tablets must be stored according to official labeling to ensure product integrity.

Mandatory Storage Conditions

Condition Regulatory Requirement
Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature (25 C / 77 F), with permitted excursions between 15^circ and 30 C.
Protection Keep the container tightly closed and protect the tablets from both moisture and light.
Container Store in the original container and keep from freezing.
Child Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Official Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Scabo should be disposed of via a designated drug take-back program or pre-paid mail-back envelope. If take-back is unavailable, the medicine must be discarded in the household trash by mixing it with an unappealing substance and sealing the mixture in a bag. The tablets must not be flushed down a toilet or poured down a drain.

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

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