Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medicine that has helped millions worldwide for infections like strongyloidiasis, onchocerciasis (river blindness) and some types of scabies. It’s usually a prescription drug for people, often given as a single or short course dose based on body weight. That makes it powerful but also something you should use under medical advice, not on a whim.
Doctors prescribe ivermectin mainly for intestinal roundworms, scabies that don’t respond to topical creams, and certain parasitic eye infections. In mass public-health programs, it’s used to control onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. It is not an approved or proven treatment for COVID-19 — major health agencies advise against using it for viral infections outside clinical trials.
Use depends on the condition: for some infections a single dose is enough, for others you may need repeated doses months apart. Because dosing is weight-based, the exact number of tablets varies between people.
Typical human dosing is calculated by weight; many treatment regimens fall around 150–200 micrograms per kilogram (µg/kg). Tablets commonly come in small strengths, so your clinician will calculate how many pills you need. Never try to estimate doses from veterinary products — animal formulations can be much stronger and unsafe for people.
Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, and mild skin rash. When parasites die quickly, people sometimes get a stronger reaction — fever, swelling, or worsening rash — due to the immune response. Serious allergic reactions are rare but possible. If you feel faint, develop trouble breathing, or have sudden swelling, get emergency care.
Tell your clinician about other medicines you take, especially strong P-glycoprotein inhibitors or drugs that affect brain function. Also mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver disease, or neurological conditions — these can change the safety picture or dosing choices.
Want to get ivermectin safely? See a licensed healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and prescription. Use a reputable pharmacy or your local clinic to fill the script. If you’re looking for more reading, check official guidance from national health agencies or ask your pharmacist for patient leaflets that list dosing and side effects clearly.
If something sounds urgent — worsening symptoms, new neurological signs, or signs of a severe allergic reaction — call your doctor or go to the emergency room. For everyday use, follow the prescribed dose, finish the course if instructed, and schedule any follow-up tests your clinician recommends. That’s the simplest way to get the benefits and avoid trouble.
Feb, 2 2025