Ivermectin — what it’s for, and what to watch out for

You’ve probably seen ivermectin in the news. It’s a proven medicine for certain parasitic infections, but online chatter has pushed it into areas where the evidence is weak. This page gives clear, practical facts: what ivermectin treats, common side effects, why veterinary products are dangerous, and how to get it safely if you need it.

How ivermectin is used and dosed

Ivermectin is approved in many countries to treat parasites like strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis (river blindness). Doctors also use it for some skin parasites and scabies. It comes as oral tablets for people and as topical creams for some skin issues.

Dosing depends on the condition, your weight, and local guidelines. For example, a single weight-based tablet dose is common for some infections, while scabies may need different directions. Never guess the dose—ask a clinician. Prescription rules vary by country, so you usually need a prescription from a licensed provider.

Safety, side effects, and buying advice

Most people tolerate ivermectin well, but side effects can include dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, rash, or tiredness. Serious reactions are rare but possible. It can interact with other meds, so share your medication list with your doctor before taking it.

Do not use veterinary ivermectin intended for horses or livestock. Those formulations are much stronger, made for different species, and can cause severe harm in people. There have been many reports of people getting poisoned after taking animal products.

About COVID-19: researchers tested ivermectin for prevention and treatment, and large, well-done studies did not show reliable benefit. Health authorities recommend against using ivermectin for COVID-19 outside clinical trials. If you see dramatic claims online, treat them with caution and check trusted sources like national health agencies.

If your doctor prescribes ivermectin, get the human formulation from a licensed pharmacy. For online purchases, prefer known, regulated pharmacies and check for a prescription requirement. Watch for too-cheap offers, unclear contact info, or sites that promise miracle cures—those are red flags.

If you experience high fever, severe rash, fainting, trouble breathing, or signs of allergic reaction after taking ivermectin, seek emergency care. For milder side effects, call the prescriber to adjust dose or switch treatment.

Want more from PharmaRight? We collect reliable drug guides and pharmacy safety tips to help you make smart choices. If you think ivermectin might help you, start with a healthcare provider—don’t self-medicate based on social posts.

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