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Lotion

Alice Lotion 500 mg/100 gm Lotion

Generic: Ivermectin

Manufacturer: Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, Pabna

Therapeutic class: Antiparasitic (Avermectin)

What is Alice Lotion?

Alice Lotion 500 mg/100 gm lotion is an antiparasitic medicine from Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, Pabna containing Ivermectin. In Bangladesh it is most often prescribed for scabies — especially when creams have failed or many family members are affected — and for worm infections such as strongyloidiasis and filariasis. It is also used for head lice resistant to usual treatments. Alice Lotion should only be taken when a doctor has confirmed the diagnosis.

Ivermectin works by binding to special chloride channels found in the nerve and muscle cells of parasites. This paralyses the mites or worms so they die and are cleared by the body. Because these channels work differently in humans, the medicine is selective against parasites at prescribed doses, making it an effective oral option for scabies and several worm diseases.

Indications

  • Scabies, including crusted scabies and household outbreaks
  • Strongyloidiasis (threadworm of the gut)
  • Lymphatic filariasis (as part of programme treatment)
  • Onchocerciasis (river blindness)
  • Head lice resistant to topical treatment
  • Cutaneous larva migrans (as advised by a doctor)

Dosage & Administration

The dose of Alice Lotion is calculated by body weight, commonly around 200 micrograms per kg as a single dose — your doctor will work out the exact number of tablets. Take Alice Lotion on an empty stomach with a glass of water, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food, unless your doctor advises otherwise. For scabies, a second dose is usually repeated after 7–14 days to kill newly hatched mites, and all close contacts should be treated at the same time. Children's use depends on weight (generally above 15 kg) and must be decided by a doctor. Do not self-medicate with Alice Lotion.

Side Effects

Ivermectin is usually well tolerated as a single dose. Possible side effects include dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, and drowsiness. In scabies, itching may temporarily worsen for a few days as mites die — this is expected and not treatment failure. When many parasites die at once (especially in filariasis), fever, rash, joint pain, and swollen glands can occur. Seek urgent care for severe rash, swelling of face or throat, confusion, or vision problems.

Precautions & Warnings

For scabies, treat all household members and close contacts on the same day, wash bedding and clothes in hot water, and dry them in the sun to prevent reinfestation. Itching may continue for 2–4 weeks after successful treatment; do not keep repeating doses without a doctor's advice. Use caution in liver disease, in severe debility, and in patients from areas where Loa loa infection occurs. The safety of ivermectin in children under 15 kg is not established. Avoid driving if you feel dizzy or drowsy after the dose.

Drug Interactions

Ivermectin may increase the effect of warfarin, so blood clotting (INR) may need closer monitoring. Drugs that affect the P-glycoprotein transporter or liver enzyme CYP3A4 — such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, and verapamil — can raise ivermectin levels and side effects. Alcohol may increase absorption and adverse effects, so avoid it around the time of dosing. Tell your doctor about all medicines, including herbal products, before taking ivermectin.

Contraindications

Ivermectin must not be taken by people with known hypersensitivity to it. It is not recommended in children weighing under 15 kg, in pregnancy, or during the first week of breastfeeding unless a doctor decides the benefit outweighs the risk. Special caution applies in patients with conditions that weaken the blood–brain barrier, such as severe meningitis or trypanosomiasis.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: Ivermectin is generally avoided in pregnancy because safety has not been established; treatment for scabies in pregnant women is usually with permethrin cream instead. Lactation: Small amounts pass into breast milk. Many guidelines allow use during established breastfeeding when clearly needed, but it is best avoided in the first week after birth. Always consult your doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C in a dry place away from light and moisture. Keep tablets in the original blister pack until use and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why must Alice Lotion be taken on an empty stomach?

Food changes how much ivermectin is absorbed into the body. Taking Alice Lotion on an empty stomach — at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food — gives the predictable absorption that the standard dosing is based on. Follow your doctor's specific instruction if they advise differently for your condition.

I still itch after taking Alice Lotion for scabies — has the treatment failed?

Not necessarily. Itching after scabies treatment commonly continues for 2–4 weeks because the allergic reaction to dead mites takes time to settle. A second dose of Alice Lotion is usually given after 7–14 days. If itching persists beyond 4 weeks or new burrow lines appear, go back to your doctor instead of repeating doses yourself.

Does everyone in the house need treatment when I take Alice Lotion for scabies?

Yes. Scabies spreads by close skin contact and shared bedding, and contacts can carry mites without symptoms for weeks. All household members and close contacts should be treated on the same day you take Alice Lotion, and bedding, towels, and clothes should be hot-washed and sun-dried to prevent the infestation bouncing back.

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