Ivermectin for the treatment of resistant scabies

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical literature describing the use of ivermectin in cases of treatment-resistant scabies infestations. DATA SOURCES: Clinical literature accessed through a MEDLINE search (1966-July 2001) and the Cochrane Database. DATA SYNTHESIS: A limited number of case reports and case series describes successful intervention with ivermectin use in patients who have failed prior therapy. Ivermectin may serve as a viable alternative therapy as the incidence of resistant scabitic infestations increases. CONCLUSIONS: Ivermectin appears to be a safe and effective alternative for patients with treatment-resistant scabies. Larger, controlled clinical trials are required before this therapy can be recommended in the general population or as primary therapy.