Request ConsultationIvermectin is a parasitic worm medication that treats some infections resulting from parasites. Ivermectin tablets are authorized for treating intestinal strongyloidiasis infections from Strongyloides stercoralis and onchocerciasis infection caused by Onchocerca volvulus. Other formulations of ivermectin can be used to treat other parasitic skin conditions. Ivermectin acts by disrupting the nerve and muscles of the parasite, causing its paralysis and ultimately killing it. Ivermectin comes in various formulations and concentrations, depending on the condition being treated.
Important Warnings while taking Ivermectin
Ivermectin should be taken in accordance with the dosage form prescribed for a particular disease. Products meant for animals should never be taken by humans, as the concentration of the active drug and inactive substances may differ. The FDA has issued reports of cases where people had to undergo medical intervention due to taking animal ivermectin. Overdose with ivermectin is dangerous, and it may cause severe neurological and cardiovascular problems.
The side effects from ivermectin may result in dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and many others. The more severe consequences will include low blood pressure, loss of coordination, seizures, and changes in state of consciousness after taking an excessive amount of the drug. The patients should get immediate medical attention if they feel severe dizziness, difficulty in walking, seizures, trouble breathing, or loss of consciousness.
The side effects from ivermectin used in the treatment of onchocerciasis include fever, itching, rash, enlarged lymph nodes, dizziness, low blood pressure, and others. People suffering from parasites need special medical evaluation, as serious neurological reactions were observed in people with suspected Loa loa infection.
Ivermectin is not to be used as a medicine to treat or prevent COVID-19 infection. Ivermectin has neither been approved nor authorized by the FDA as a medicine to prevent or treat COVID-19, and at present, there is no evidence that suggests the effectiveness of ivermectin on COVID-19 patients.
Things to consider before Ivermectin consumption
- Allergies
- Type of parasitic infection
- Loa loa infection or travel history
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Body weight and age
- Liver disease
- Other medicines
- Neurological conditions
- Existing medical conditions
- Previous ivermectin treatment
- Use of animal ivermectin products
This is due to the fact that ivermectin usage depends on such factors as the nature of the infection, body weight, age, individual medical condition, and other medications in use. In cases of possible or definite Loa loa infection, special care is needed since ivermectin can cause severe neurological side effects among highly infected patients. Pregnant and nursing women should consult a physician before starting an oral treatment, while ivermectin is usually not prescribed for people who weigh less than 15 kg. Individuals with liver diseases and other severe health conditions should also receive medical advice before the treatment. The list of drug interactions must be considered, especially in case patients use medicines affecting the central nervous system and blood coagulation.
Application/Consumption
There are ivermectin pills and topical treatments intended for different diseases. FDA-labeled oral ivermectin pills must be taken following the healthcare provider's recommendations. In the case of FDA-labeled oral ivermectin indications, the treatment regimen usually requires taking oral ivermectin as a single dose based on body weight by mouth with water on an empty stomach. The dosage of the drug differs in the case of treatment of strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis.
One should not take more ivermectin pills if no improvement occurs right away. Stool testing may be done after treatment of strongyloidiasis to ensure that all parasites have been destroyed. Sometimes new larvae might appear even after treatment, which means that patients need to undergo follow-up testing.
Sometimes this drug can be used for treatment of some other parasitic diseases in different countries or circumstances. For instance, according to CDC recommendations, ivermectin is prescribed for scabies as a second treatment 14 days after the first one, as the drug has only limited effects on scabies eggs.
The use of ivermectin bought from unknown sources over the Internet and intended for animals is highly discouraged. Human and veterinary drugs differ and cannot be used interchangeably.
Dosing information
The dose of ivermectin depends on the condition being treated and the patient's body weight. Children weighing less than 15 kg should not receive oral ivermectin unless specifically evaluated under appropriate specialist guidance.
Uses
Ivermectin is used for:
- Intestinal strongyloidiasis: Treatment of infection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis.
- Onchocerciasis: Treatment of infection caused by Onchocerca volvulus.
- Scabies: Oral ivermectin may be used in certain circumstances, including when topical treatment is unsuitable or has failed, according to clinical guidance.
- Certain external parasitic conditions: Specific topical ivermectin formulations are used for conditions such as head lice.
- Certain skin conditions: Some topical ivermectin formulations are approved for conditions such as rosacea.
Ivermectin should not be used as a substitute for appropriate treatment of viral infections. In particular, the FDA has not approved or authorized ivermectin for preventing or treating COVID-19.
Ivermectin side effects
The common adverse effects of ivermectin in its oral form are dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, weakness, headache, and fatigue. However, the type and severity of adverse effects depend on the infection being treated and the patient's own reaction.
In the case of treatment for onchocerciasis, the adverse effects may be associated with inflammation due to the dying microfilariae. The patients may have itching, rash, fever, dizziness, muscle or joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, low blood pressure, and other symptoms. They may manifest during therapy, as ivermectin rapidly decreases the number of microfilariae.
The severe adverse reactions include convulsions, lack of coordination, severe dizziness, low blood pressure, breathing problems, and changes in consciousness. In such cases, an immediate examination is needed. The high dosage of the medication increases the possibility of toxicity.
There might be interactions between ivermectin and other drugs. According to the FDA, it is important to mention that ivermectin may interact with other drugs like blood thinners, whereas according to the CDC guidance on scabies, there are drug interactions with azithromycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and cetirizine. Therefore, patients are advised to give the list of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements to the healthcare provider.
In the case of individuals with strongyloidiasis, there may be the need for follow-up tests because this disease could persist after treatment or relapse. There are clinical cases when the presence of Strongyloides larvae could appear months after treatment.
It is essential to avoid using ivermectin in doses higher than recommended because this medication should not be used in excess to eliminate parasites faster or to cure any other diseases. It might result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, dizziness, lack of coordination, seizures, coma, and even death. In the case of overdose, patients are required to get medical help as soon as possible.
Key insight
In February 2026, Ghana becoming the first country to approve a new fixed-dose combination pill of ivermectin and albendazole for parasitic worm infections, and the National Cancer Institute began preclinical laboratory studies on ivermectin's potential properties regarding cancer.
