Can Humans Safely Take Ivermectin Tablets? What Are the Risks, Benefits, and Side Effects?

Ivermectin (Stromectol, Sklice, Soolantra) belongs to a group of medications called anthelmintics. These medications treat infections caused by parasites. Helminths are a specific type of worm (parasite). 

Ivermectin can also treat other conditions. Experts are currently researching if it’s effective in treating or preventing COVID-19. Different types of ivermectin are also used in animals. With many possible uses, it’s important to understand ivermectin’s potential risks and if this medication may be right for you. 

Read on to learn more about ivermectin’s many uses, when it shouldn’t be used, and what side effects to watch for.

What conditions can ivermectin treat in humans?

Ivermectin tablets are FDA-approved to treat people who have intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis. These are health conditions caused by parasites. 

One parasite is a type of worm that enters the body through the skin and causes strongyloidiasis. Most people don’t have symptoms with this infection. Those who do have symptoms may experience stomach ache, diarrhea, or throat irritation. 

A bite from blackflies causes onchocerciasis — sometimes called river blindness. Like strongyloidiasis, some people don’t have symptoms. Common symptoms include skin rashes, itching, and vision changes. 

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Ivermectin also comes as a topical cream, which is used to treat rosacea. This is a skin condition that causes redness or blushing in the face. It’s also available as a lotion that’s used to treat head lice.

Ivermectin is also prescribed off-label for scabies, hookworm infections, and other parasitic infections in humans.

What conditions can ivermectin treat in animals?

Different types of ivermectin can treat heartworms and other animal parasitic infections. For example, if your dog takes Heartgard, you may have noticed that ivermectin is an ingredient. 

Ivermectin also comes as:

• A drench (liquid chemical) used to treat sheep with parasitic infections

• An ear suspension for ear mites in cats and kittens

• A topical and injectable liquid to treat cow parasitic infections

There are many other animal forms available. They are usually stronger than those prescribed for humans. Humans should never take these forms.

When and how should humans use ivermectin?

Ivermectin’s dose and directions depend on the health condition being treated. 

People who have strongyloidiasis take ivermectin for 1 to 2 days. The dose for strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis depends on the person’s body weight. People who have onchocerciasis often take ivermectin every 6 months. It’s taken for the life span of the parasite — which can be as long as 15 years.

You should take ivermectin tablets on an empty stomach and with water. Many ivermectin tablets (sometimes as many as five or more) are usually taken at the same time. 

You can apply topical treatments as directed for head lice or rosacea. You shouldn’t swallow the lotion or put it in your mouth. Only use it on your skin or scalp.

For head lice, your hair and scalp must be dry before applying the lotion. You should use enough to completely cover your head — this may take an entire tube.

Is ivermectin only prescribed for serious conditions?

Not always. Ivermectin treats some conditions that aren’t considered life-threatening. 

For example, a person with head lice may not show any symptoms at first. It may take 4 to 6 weeks for a person to experience itching from head lice. Head lice aren’t known to carry any diseases according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). So it’s not considered a health hazard.

Rosacea isn’t life-threatening either. In very rare cases, it may cause vision loss. While there’s no cure for rosacea, healthcare providers sometimes prescribe ivermectin. It’s typically used if first-choice treatments — like laser therapy, sunscreen, and avoiding triggers like spicy foods — haven’t worked. 

When shouldn’t people use ivermectin?

There are several situations where you shouldn’t use ivermectin. This includes trying to prevent or treat COVID-19. 

In addition to working against parasites, ivermectin may also have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Since a virus causes COVID-19, researchers are studying the possibility of using ivermectin for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.

One study found that there isn’t currently enough evidence to support using ivermectin for COVID-19. Another study showed more promising results, stating that ivermectin can reduce deaths by more than 90%. But the results of this study were withdrawn due to questions about the study’s accuracy. 

For these reasons, the FDA hasn’t authorized ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ivermectin should only be used for COVID-19 by people who are a part of clinical trials.

COVID-19 aside, ivermectin tablets should be taken with caution if you’re also taking blood thinners. These medications may interact if they’re combined.

Ivermectin can make your blood thinner. This can raise your risk of bleeding. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re taking a blood thinner like warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) and have been prescribed ivermectin.

You should also avoid ivermectin tablets if you’re pregnant. Animal studies have shown developmental effects when taken at high doses. Ivermectin also appears in human milk while nursing — ivermectin should only be used if it’s needed right away.

It’s not known if ivermectin lotions or creams can harm an unborn or nursing baby. Talk to your healthcare provider before using topical ivermectin in these situations.

As a reminder, humans should never use ivermectin that’s made for animals. 

What are the known side effects of ivermectin? 

Ivermectin is considered safe for use in humans when used in normal doses. But it’s still possible to experience side effects while taking this medication.

Common side effects for ivermectin tablets include:

• Stomach pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Itchiness

• Skin rash

Ivermectin tablets can be dangerous if used incorrectly. It’s possible for humans to overdose if they take the animal version of this medication. Side effects of overdose include the list above, plus seizures, coma, and death. 

Rare but serious side effects of human ivermectin tablets include:

• Hypotension (low blood pressure)

• Seizures

• Hepatitis (liver inflammation) 

• Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis

Is ivermectin available over the counter?

Two types of ivermectin used in humans — tablets and creams — are only available by a prescription from a healthcare provider. But the lotion is available over the counter (OTC). It’s also called Sklice, and it can treat head lice. 

Some forms of ivermectin for animals may also be available OTC. But humans shouldn’t take these.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Abe Amos, PharmD

Abe Amos, PharmD, is a clinical advisor for health plans and has experience working with large national government-funded programs. He is a postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) managed care residency coordinator and also has community retail pharmacy experience.

Edited by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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