What is Ivermectin and what are its uses?

Ivermectin is a prescription oral and topical medication used to treat specific parasitic infections, including intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, and certain skin conditions such as rosacea and head lice. It works by paralyzing and killing susceptible parasites. Access requires a prescription, and dosing, testing, and follow-up are determined entirely by a licensed provider based on your diagnosis and health history.

How ivermectin works

Ivermectin binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels found in the nerve and muscle cells of certain parasites. This binding increases the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions, causing paralysis and death of the parasite. These channels are not present in the same form in humans, which is part of why the medication has a well-established safety profile at labeled doses. You can read more about the medication's approved role and how a prescription is issued on the ivermectin medication page.

Labeled uses

According to the prescribing information for the brand-name ivermectin tablet, oral ivermectin is indicated for:

• Strongyloidiasis of the intestinal tract caused by the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis
• Onchocerciasis, caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus

Topical ivermectin formulations are approved for:

• Inflammatory lesions of rosacea (cream)
• Head lice infestation in patients one year of age and older (lotion)

Ivermectin also appears on the World Health Organization's Model List of Essential Medicines because of its established role in treating certain parasitic diseases globally.

What to expect during treatment

A licensed provider will confirm the diagnosis, review your medical history and current medications, and determine whether ivermectin is appropriate for you. Oral ivermectin is typically taken on an empty stomach with water, as directed by the prescriber. Because dosing depends on body weight, the specific infection, and other individual factors, exact dosing is set by your provider rather than a fixed public schedule.

Safety and contraindications

Common side effects can include dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea. Ivermectin should be used with caution in people with liver disease and is generally avoided in children under the specified weight or age thresholds listed in the label. It is not intended for use outside its approved indications, and a licensed provider will screen for interactions with other medications, including blood thinners, before prescribing.

Formulation comparison

| Formulation | Approved use | Typical setting | |---|---|---| | Oral tablet | Strongyloidiasis, onchocerciasis | Prescribed after confirmed diagnosis | | Topical cream | Inflammatory rosacea lesions | Applied once daily as directed | | Topical lotion | Head lice | Single application as directed |

How provider-guided access works

Get It Prescribed connects you with a licensed provider who reviews your symptoms and history through an online visit. If ivermectin or another treatment is appropriate for your diagnosed condition, the provider issues a prescription that is filled through a pharmacy. You can learn about the visit process on the how it works page and review current pricing and availability in your state.

Important regulatory distinction

The 24 mg scored ivermectin tablet we prescribe is a compounded preparation, filled by a PCAB-accredited compounding pharmacy pursuant to a valid prescription written for an individual patient. Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved drug products, and the FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. Compounded ivermectin is not a generic of, substitute for, or therapeutic equivalent to the brand-name ivermectin tablet.

Related questions

Is ivermectin the same medication used in animals?

Ivermectin is manufactured in different formulations for humans and for animals. Human prescription ivermectin products are quality-controlled and intended specifically for human use. Veterinary ivermectin products are formulated and concentrated for animals and are not intended for people. Always use a human prescription product obtained through a licensed provider, such as through ivermectin access at Get It Prescribed.

Can ivermectin be taken with food?

Oral ivermectin is generally taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, as directed on the FDA label, because food can affect how much medication is absorbed. Your licensed provider will give you specific instructions based on your prescription. Do not change how you take the medication without checking with your provider first.

How is a diagnosis confirmed before starting ivermectin?

For intestinal strongyloidiasis or onchocerciasis, a provider typically relies on symptoms, exposure history, and laboratory testing such as stool studies or skin snips. Confirming the diagnosis first ensures the medication is appropriate and helps your provider select the correct approved use and dose.

What if I have liver problems?

Ivermectin is metabolized in the liver, so people with significant liver impairment may need closer monitoring or a different treatment approach. Tell your provider about any liver conditions or abnormal liver test results during your visit so they can make an informed prescribing decision.

Sources

• DailyMed search: ivermectin — prescribing information for ivermectin products.
• CDC Parasites — background on parasitic diseases including strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis.
• CDC Strongyloides — clinical information on strongyloidiasis diagnosis and treatment.
• WHO Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines — background on the WHO Essential Medicines List process.