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Overview: Ivermectin is used to treat certain parasitic infections. It works by disrupting the nerves and muscles of the parasites, which kills them. Common side effects include itching, dizziness, and diarrhea. Call your health care provider right away if you have sluggishness or confusion, breathing problems, wheezing, nausea, or vomiting.

Uses

What is ivermectin used for?

Ivermectin is commonly used for the following infections caused by parasites. Parasites are things such as worms that live off of a person.  

Ivermectin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Ivermectin is also available as a topical cream and lotion. See Ivermectin topical for more information.

How does ivermectin work (mechanism of action)?

Ivermectin kills parasites by disrupting their nerves and muscles.

How is ivermectin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Stromectol

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 3 mg oral tablets

How should I store ivermectin?

Ivermectin tablets should be stored at temperatures below 30 C (86 F). 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ivermectin?

The most common side effects of ivermectin are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Itching
  • Dizziness
  • Fluid retention
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea

There may be other side effects of ivermectin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of ivermectin?

Brain or Central Nervous System (CNS) Problems. Ivermectin can affect your brain or central nervous system, or CNS.  Call your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms of brain or CNS problems.

  • Sluggishness or decreased energy
  • Sleepiness
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Reduced responses

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ivermectin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking ivermectin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ivermectin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take ivermectin.

  • Stromectol
  • Ivermectin

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ivermectin products they stock.

What should I know about ivermectin before using it?

Do not take ivermectin unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed. 

Do not share ivermectin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep ivermectin out of the reach of children.

Keep all follow up-appointments. Your health care provider may need to check to make sure that your infection is gone.  

Ivermectin can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how ivermectin affects you.

What should I tell my health care provider before using ivermectin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if ivermectin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any past travel to West or Central Africa.

HIV Infection, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), or Weak Immune System. Additional treatment with ivermectin may be needed for people with a weak immune system being treated for intestinal strongyloidiasis. 

Pregnancy. It is unknown if or how ivermectin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Ivermectin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take ivermectin while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does ivermectin interact with foods or drinks?

Take ivermectin on an empty stomach.  Food can increase the amount of medicine your body absorbs.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ivermectin. The risk of sleepiness and dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking ivermectin.

Does ivermectin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), which is a blood thinner.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with ivermectin. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much ivermectin?

If you or someone else has used too much ivermectin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of ivermectin?

Ivermectin is usually taken as a single dose. Tell your health care provider when you took your dose, especially if you will be checked to see if your infection is gone.