Key takeaways:
Ivermectin (Stromectol, Sklice, Soolantra) is a prescription medication that treats parasitic infections and skin conditions. It’s available as a tablet, cream, and lotion. Other versions of the medication are only meant for animals.
Ivermectin shouldn’t be used to treat or prevent COVID-19. Research shows that it’s not effective for this use.
Taking ivermectin inappropriately — including taking an animal version of the medication — can be dangerous or life-threatening.
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If you or a loved one have had COVID-19, you’ve likely heard about ivermectin (Stromectol, Sklice, Soolantra). In the early days of COVID, ivermectin gained attention as a potential treatment for the viral illness.
Ivermectin isn’t FDA approved to prevent or treat COVID. It’s not recommended for this use, either. But you may still wonder if ivermectin is safe for humans to take.
Here, we’ll discuss what you should know about ivermectin, including its many uses, who shouldn’t take it, and what side effects to watch out for.
Ivermectin overview: What is ivermectin?
Ivermectin is a prescription medication that treats certain infections caused by parasites. It belongs to a group of medications called anthelmintics. (Helminths are a specific type of worm parasite.)
Ivermectin works by paralyzing the nerves and muscles of the parasite. This, in turn, weakens or kills the parasite.
Ivermectin dosage forms
Ivermectin is used for both animals and humans, but the forms and doses are different between the two.
For humans, ivermectin is available in the following formulations:
3 mg or 6 mg oral tablet — sold under the brand name Stromectol
1% topical cream
0.5% topical lotion
Ivermectin comes in several forms for animals, namely:
Oral paste for horses
Topical and injectable liquid for cows and pigs
Drench (liquid chemical) for sheep
Good to know: Ivermectin formulations for animals are not the same as the ones made for humans. Animal versions are typically much stronger than those prescribed for humans. Humans should never take these forms.
What conditions can ivermectin tablets treat in humans?
Ivermectin tablets are approved to treat two types of parasitic infections:
Strongyloidiasis, which affects the gut
Onchocerciasis (river blindness), which affects the skin and eyes
Ivermectin also comes as a topical cream. This dosage form is used to treat rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness or blushing in the face. It’s also available as an over-the-counter (OTC) lotion for head lice.
When and how should humans use ivermectin?
Recommended ivermectin dosages depend on the health condition you’re using it for. Here are the typical ivermectin dosages for humans.
Ivermectin dosage chart for humans
Condition | Dosage form | Dosage | How long to use |
|---|---|---|---|
Strongyloidiasis | 3 mg oral tablet | Take 200 mcg/kg of body weight by mouth for 1 dose Your prescriber will tell you how many tablets to take per dose | 1 dose |
Onchocerciasis | 3 mg oral tablet | Take 150 mcg/kg of body weight by mouth for 1 dose Your prescriber will tell you how many tablets to take per dose | Every 3-12 months until the infection is clear |
Rosacea | 1% topical cream | Apply a thin layer to the affected area once daily | As directed by your prescriber |
Head lice | 0.5% topical lotion | Apply to the hair and scalp according to the product labeling | 1 dose |
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 ivermectin treatments as directed for head lice or rosacea. You shouldn’t swallow topical ivermectin or put it in your mouth. Only use it on your skin or scalp, and avoid your eyes and lips.
For head lice, make sure your hair and scalp are 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.
Head lice is one example. Lice aren’t known to spread disease and generally aren’t considered a health hazard. They’re mostly a nuisance.
Rosacea isn’t life-threatening, either. There’s no cure for rosacea, but healthcare professionals may prescribe ivermectin when first-choice treatments — such as laser therapy, sunscreen, and avoiding triggers such as spicy foods — don’t work.
When shouldn’t people use ivermectin?
There are several situations where you shouldn’t use ivermectin. This includes trying to prevent or treat COVID. The FDA issued a warning that ivermectin shouldn’t be used to treat COVID in humans and is dangerous in large doses. Studies also show that ivermectin doesn’t help treat COVID infection or relieve symptoms.
COVID aside, ivermectin tablets should be taken with caution if you’re also taking a blood thinner, such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). These medications may interact if they’re combined. That’s because ivermectin itself can make your blood thinner. This can raise the risk of bleeding.
You should also avoid ivermectin tablets if you’re pregnant. Animal studies have shown birth defects, such as cleft palate, when ivermectin is consumed at high doses.
Oral ivermectin also appears in human milk while breastfeeding. It’s not known if ivermectin lotions or creams can harm an unborn or nursing baby, so talk to a healthcare professional before using topical ivermectin in this situation.
As a reminder, humans should never use ivermectin that’s made for animals.
Side effects of ivermectin tablets in humans
Ivermectin is considered safe for humans when used at normal doses. But it’s still possible to experience side effects while taking this medication.
Common side effects of ivermectin tablets include:
Stomach pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Dizziness
Itchiness
Skin rash
Rare but serious side effects of ivermectin tablets include:
Fever
Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure after standing up)
Neurotoxicity, which can cause symptoms such as confusion and disorientation
Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
Ivermectin tablets can be dangerous if used incorrectly, too. It’s possible for humans to overdose if they take the animal version of this medication.
Frequently asked questions
Two types of ivermectin used in humans — tablets and creams — are only available by a prescription from a healthcare professional. But the lotion used for head lice is available OTC. The brand name is Sklice, but you may be able to find generic versions, as well.
Some forms of ivermectin for animals may also be found OTC. But humans shouldn’t take these.
Ivermectin tablets treat two types of parasitic infections in humans: strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis (river blindness).
There isn’t one safe level of ivermectin that applies to everyone. The safest dose for you depends on the reason you’re taking or using ivermectin. Taking too much ivermectin can raise your risk of side effects or overdose, so be sure to use ivermectin as prescribed.
There isn’t one standard dose of ivermectin that’s right for everyone. Your ivermectin dosage will depend on the health condition you have and your body weight. Your prescriber will let you know how many tablets to take and when to take them.
Two types of ivermectin used in humans — tablets and creams — are only available by a prescription from a healthcare professional. But the lotion used for head lice is available OTC. The brand name is Sklice, but you may be able to find generic versions, as well.
Some forms of ivermectin for animals may also be found OTC. But humans shouldn’t take these.
Ivermectin tablets treat two types of parasitic infections in humans: strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis (river blindness).
There isn’t one safe level of ivermectin that applies to everyone. The safest dose for you depends on the reason you’re taking or using ivermectin. Taking too much ivermectin can raise your risk of side effects or overdose, so be sure to use ivermectin as prescribed.
There isn’t one standard dose of ivermectin that’s right for everyone. Your ivermectin dosage will depend on the health condition you have and your body weight. Your prescriber will let you know how many tablets to take and when to take them.
The bottom line
Ivermectin tablets (Stromectol) treat parasitic infections in both humans and animals. But you should only use human ivermectin, and only as directed by a healthcare professional. Animal ivermectin can be dangerous and life-threatening when used by humans.
The topical versions of ivermectin (Sklice, Soolantra) for humans can treat rosacea and head lice. Ivermectin should not be used for COVID-19 treatment or prevention.
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