Antiparasitic Drug Comparison Tool
Use this tool to compare Iverjohn with other antiparasitic medications based on their clinical use, side effects, and cost in Australia (2025).
Comparison Results
Select a parasite and comparison type to view details.
Iverjohn (Ivermectin)
Uses: Onchocerciasis, Strongyloidiasis, Scabies
Effectiveness: 90-95% for onchocerciasis, 85-92% for strongyloidiasis
Side Effects: Headache, nausea, dizziness, rash
Cost: $35-$45 per treatment
Alternatives Overview
Albendazole: Hookworm, Echinococcosis, Giardiasis
Mebendazole: Pinworm, Whipworm, Roundworm
Doxycycline: Lymphatic Filariasis
Nitazoxanide: Cryptosporidiosis, Giardia
Praziquantel: Schistosomiasis
Quick Take
- Iverjohn (ivermectin) is a broad‑spectrum antiparasitic approved for specific infections in Australia.
- Key alternatives include albendazole, mebendazole, doxycycline, nitazoxanide, praziquantel and levamisole.
- Effectiveness varies by parasite; ivermectin shines against onchocerciasis and strongyloidiasis.
- Side‑effect profiles are generally mild, but each drug has unique cautions.
- Cost and prescription requirements differ; ivermectin is often pricier but covered for approved uses.
When you hear the name Iverjohn, you might wonder how it stacks up against other antiparasitic meds. Below we break down the science, safety, cost and real‑world usage so you can decide which option fits your health needs.
Iverjohn is a brand‑name formulation of ivermectin, a macrocyclic lactone that interferes with nerve and muscle function of parasites, leading to paralysis and death. In Australia, it is registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for the treatment of onchocerciasis, strongyloidiasis and certain scabies infections. The usual dosage is 200µg/kg body weight, taken as a single oral dose.
How Iverjohn Works
Ivermectin binds selectively to glutamate‑gated chloride channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells. This binding opens the channels, allowing an influx of chloride ions, which hyperpolarises the cell and causes paralysis. Because mammals lack these channels in the same form, the drug has a wide therapeutic window.
Approved Uses and Real‑World Effectiveness
In the Australian context, Iverjohn is officially indicated for:
- Onchocerciasis (river blindness)
- Strongyloidiasis (threadworm infection)
- Scabies caused by Sarcoptes scabiei when topical therapy fails
Clinical trials report cure rates of 90‑95% for onchocerciasis and 85‑92% for strongyloidiasis when the correct dose is used. Real‑world data from the Northern Territory show a 93% reduction in microfilarial load after a single dose.
Safety Profile of Iverjohn
Adverse events are generally mild: headache, nausea, dizziness and transient skin rash. Severe reactions-such as encephalopathy-are rare and usually linked to high plasma levels in patients with liver impairment. The TGA advises caution in pregnant women (Category B2) and children under 15kg.
Common Alternatives
Several other antiparasitics target overlapping infections. Below we introduce each alternative with its key attributes.
Albendazole is a benzimidazole that disrupts microtubule formation in helminths, approved for hookworm, echinococcosis and giardiasis.
Mebendazole works similarly to albendazole, mainly used for pinworm, whipworm and roundworm infections.
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic with activity against certain intracellular bacteria and the filarial worm Wuchereria bancrofti, often employed in lymphatic filariasis programs.
Nitazoxanide is a broad‑spectrum anti‑protozoal and anti‑helminthic used for cryptosporidiosis and Giardia.
Praziquantel rapidly contracts schistosome musculature, making it the drug of choice for schistosomiasis.
Levamisole is an immunomodulatory anthelmintic used in veterinary practice and occasionally in human soil‑transmitted helminth control.
Side‑Effect Summary of Alternatives
- Albendazole: mild abdominal pain, elevated liver enzymes (monitor if therapy >3days).
- Mebendazole: rarely causes rash or alopecia; safe in pregnancy (Category B1).
- Doxycycline: photosensitivity, gastrointestinal upset, contraindicated in pregnancy.
- Nitazoxanide: metallic taste, dark urine, transient headache.
- Praziquantel: dizziness, transient hepatotoxicity, rare allergic reactions.
- Levamisole: neutropenia, agranulocytosis-requires blood count monitoring.
Cost and Accessibility in Australia (2025)
Pricing can sway a decision, especially for public‑health programs.
| Drug | Typical Dose | Prescription Required? | Approx. Cost per Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iverjohn (ivermectin) | 200µg/kg single dose | Yes (PBS listed for approved indications) | $35‑$45 |
| Albendazole | 400mg single dose | Yes (often subsidised) | $20‑$30 |
| Mebendazole | 100mg twice daily x 3days | No (over‑the‑counter) | $15‑$25 |
| Doxycycline | 100mg twice daily x 4weeks | Yes | $30‑$40 |
| Nitazoxanide | 500mg twice daily x 3days | Yes | $25‑$35 |
| Praziquantel | 40mg/kg single dose | Yes | $40‑$55 |
| Levamisole | 2.5mg/kg single dose | Yes (limited supply) | $30‑$45 |
When to Choose Iverjohn Over Alternatives
If your diagnosis is onchocerciasis or strongyloidiasis, Iverjohn is the first‑line therapy because of its proven cure rates and single‑dose convenience. For scabies that doesn’t respond to permethrin, oral ivermectin offers a practical alternative to multiple topical applications.
Consider albendazole or mebendazole when dealing with common soil‑transmitted helminths (hookworm, roundworm) in community programs; they are cheaper and safe for children.
Doxycycline becomes essential in mass‑drug‑administration campaigns targeting lymphatic filariasis, where it also reduces microfilariae production.
Praziquantel remains unrivaled for schistosomiasis-no other drug reaches comparable efficacy.
In cases where liver function is compromised, mebendazole (Category B1) or albendazole (short‑course) may be safer than ivermectin, which is metabolised hepatically.
Practical Tips for Patients and Clinicians
- Verify the indication: Iverjohn’s PBS subsidy applies only to approved diseases; off‑label use may incur out‑of‑pocket costs.
- Check weight‑based dosing: an inaccurate dose can reduce efficacy or increase toxicity.
- Review drug interactions: ivermectin is a substrate of CYP3A4; avoid concurrent strong inducers like rifampicin.
- Monitor for side effects: advise patients to report severe headache, visual disturbances or rash promptly.
- Educate on adherence: most alternatives require multiple days; ensure patients understand the schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iverjohn effective against COVID‑19?
Current high‑quality trials and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration have found no convincing evidence that ivermectin, including the branded Iverjohn, prevents or treats COVID‑19. It remains approved only for its antiparasitic uses.
Can I take Iverjohn while pregnant?
Iverjohn is classified as Category B2 in Australia, meaning animal studies show no harm but there are limited human data. It should be used only if the benefit outweighs the potential risk and under medical supervision.
How does the cost of Iverjohn compare to albendazole?
A full Iverjohn course (single 200µg/kg dose) typically costs between AU$35 and AU$45, whereas a standard albendazole dose is around AU$20‑$30. Albendazole is cheaper but not a substitute for the specific infections ivermectin treats.
What should I do if I miss my Iverjohn dose?
Because Iverjohn is usually given as a single dose, a missed dose means you should contact your prescriber. They may advise a repeat dose after a short interval, depending on the infection being treated.
Are there any food restrictions with Iverjohn?
Ivermectin can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with a high‑fat meal may slightly increase absorption, which is generally not clinically significant.
Roberta Saettone
2 Oct, 2025
So you’ve got a shiny new comparison tool, huh? Let’s be real – ivermectin’s efficacy is impressive for onchocerciasis, but you still need to watch those mild side‑effects. Keep an eye on liver function especially if patients are on other CYP3A4 inducers. And remember, cost isn’t the only factor; accessibility matters.
Sue Berrymore
5 Oct, 2025
Wow, that breakdown really lights a fire under the whole discussion! When you’re picking a drug, think of it like a marathon – you need stamina, not just a flash‑in‑the‑pan. Ivermectin’s single‑dose convenience is a game‑changer for remote clinics, especially when resources are thin. Keep the momentum rolling, folks!
Jeffrey Lee
7 Oct, 2025
Let me set the record straight – the United States has the most advanced pharmaco‑regulatory system on the planet, and that includes ivermectin. Its 90‑95% cure rate for onchocerciasis is not a fluke; it’s backed by decades of rigorous trials. Sure, you might see a headache or mild nausea, but those are trivial compared to the devastation of unchecked parasites. The drug’s pharmacokinetics are well‑characterized – a single 200 µg/kg dose reaches peak plasma levels within four hours and stays effective long enough to eradicate the worm. Let's not get bogged down by the occasional rash; it’s a small price to pay for a single‑dose regimen that eliminates the need for daily pills. And don’t even start on the “cost” argument – $35‑$45 is a bargain when you consider the alternative of multiple courses of albendazole or mebendazole. Those cheap‑as‑chips drugs may be affordable, but they often require extended dosing schedules and have higher rates of resistance. The TGA’s approval of Iverjohn is a testament to its safety profile in a population that includes pregnant women (Category B2) and children over 15 kg. Yes, caution is advised in liver‑impaired patients, but that’s the same for any medication metabolized hepatically. If you’re worried about CYP3A4 interactions, simply avoid strong inducers like rifampicin – that’s common sense, not rocket science. In short, the data speak loudly: Iverjohn is the first‑line choice for onchocerciasis and strongyloidiasis, and it does the job with a single dose, minimal side‑effects, and reasonable cost. Don’t let naysayers with limited experience dilute the conversation.
Ian Parkin
9 Oct, 2025
Thank you for the thorough exposition. It is heartening to see such a clear articulation of ivermectin’s merits, especially when framed within the broader public‑health context. While the drug’s efficacy is undeniable, we must also recognise the importance of equitable access and judicious prescribing. In this spirit, continued surveillance and post‑marketing studies will further cement its standing.
Julia Odom
12 Oct, 2025
What a comprehensive snapshot of antiparasitic options! I’m especially impressed by the way you’ve juxtaposed efficacy, side‑effects, and cost – it’s like a well‑orchestrated symphony of data. The colour‑coded side‑effect badges are a stroke of genius, making the nuances instantly digestible. For clinicians navigating diverse patient profiles, such clarity is invaluable. Moreover, the inclusion of usage notes highlights the pragmatic reality of dosing regimens, from single‑dose ivermectin to multi‑day albendazole courses. In settings where resources are scarce, the single‑dose convenience of Iverjohn could be a game‑changer, reducing the burden on both patients and health‑systems. The table summarising Australian prices nicely rounds out the discussion, reminding us that fiscal considerations often drive therapeutic choices. All in all, a masterful blend of scientific rigour and practical insight.
Danielle Knox
14 Oct, 2025
Oh, really? Another "expert" telling us ivermectin is the holy grail. Sure, it works for a few bugs, but let’s not pretend it’s the answer to every worm‑related woe. Simpler drugs are often just as good, if you ask me.
Mark Evans
16 Oct, 2025
I appreciate the depth of the analysis and think it’s a solid foundation for collaborative decision‑making. While ivermectin shines for onchocerciasis and strongyloidiasis, we shouldn’t discount the role of albendazole in community de‑worming programs where cost and ease of administration are paramount. It’s also worth noting that patient‑specific factors-such as liver function, pregnancy status, and potential drug‑drug interactions-must guide the final choice. By sharing these nuances, we empower clinicians to tailor therapy rather than default to a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. Let’s keep the conversation open and continue to pool our experiences.
Megan C.
19 Oct, 2025
It’s troubling how some people gloss over the moral responsibility of prescribing the most expensive drug when cheaper, equally effective alternatives exist. Health equity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s an ethical imperative.
Greg McKinney
21 Oct, 2025
Looks like another overhyped drug to me.