What is ivermectin used for in humans?
In people, ivermectin tablets are approved to treat parasitic diseases such as strongyloidiasis (intestinal infection caused by the threadworm Strongyloides stercoralis) and onchocerciasis (river blindness). Ivermectin tablets are also prescribed off-label for other types of parasitic infections, including scabies.
Ivermectin is an anti-parasite drug that’s commonly used to treat intestinal infection with strongyloides, or intestinal worm infections. It’s also used to treat head lice and skin conditions such as rosacea.
Ivermectin dosage for humans by weight
| Body weight | Strongyloidiasis (3 mg tablets) | Body weight | Onchocerciasis (3 mg tablets) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-24 kg | 1 | 15-25 kg | 1 |
| 25-35 kg | 2 | 26-44 kg | 2 |
| 36-50 kg | 3 | 45-64 kg | 3 |
| 51-65 kg | 4 | 65-84 kg | 4 |
| 66-79 kg | 5 | 85 kg or more | 150 mcg/kg |
| 80 kg or more | 200 mcg/kg |
Single oral dose, STROMECTOL label Tables 1 and 2 (Merck, DailyMed, April 2025).
For intestinal strongyloidiasis, the label gives a single dose (on an empty stomach) of 200 mcg per kg.
For onchocerciasis, the label recommends a single dose of 150 mcg/kg.
Taking ivermectin: empty stomach, stool checks and repeat doses
Ivermectin tablets are swallowed with water on an empty stomach. The dose of the medicine depends on body weight.
The label says that repeated stool examinations are necessary to document clearance. Patients should be reminded that efficacy cannot be assumed and treatment for intestinal strongyloidiasis may require several courses of therapy.
Human ivermectin versus animal products
Ivermectin sold for horses and cattle is different from the ivermectin used for humans, so be careful when purchasing Ivermectin online. The dose that works for animals is different than the one that works for people.
In other words, never use animal ivermectin products on humans and don’t buy veterinary drugs online from unverified suppliers.
Ivermectin and COVID-19
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't authorized or approved ivermectin for use in treating or preventing COVID-19 in humans.
Clinical trials tested ivermectin against COVID-19, and a review of the data concluded that ivermectin was ineffective for treating COVID-19.
Ivermectin has not been proven safe or effective for the prevention or treatment of any form of coronavirus, including COVID-19.
Ivermectin side effects and the warfarin note
The side effects people report most often are diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Some also reported dizziness and headaches as well as feeling tired and feverish after taking ivermectin tablets.
Since the drug went on the market, rarer cases of serious liver injury and sudden death have been reported after its use.
Since the drug went on the market, rarer but more severe events have been reported in patients with loiasis.
Few drug interactions are listed for ivermectin, but it can interact with warfarin by increasing the risk of bleeding (increasing INR). caution should be used when administering these drugs concurrently.
Ivermectin price and getting a prescription
| Pharmacy | Ivermectin 3 mg x 20, GoodRx | Ivermectin 3 mg x 20, SingleCare |
|---|---|---|
| Walgreens | $5.00 | $89.82 |
| CVS Pharmacy | $30.21 | $167.19 |
| Kroger Pharmacy | not listed | $61.32 |
| Walmart | not listed | $80.42 |
| Albertsons Pharmacy | not listed | $97.06 |
Coupon prices: GoodRx updated 08/03/26, SingleCare recorded 10/03/26. GoodRx average retail without a coupon: $69.68.
Ivermectin needs a prescription in the U.S., and it is not available over-the-counter (OTC).
The drug may be available in generic form, but there's only one brand name for ivermectin: Stromectol®.
There are some online pharmacies that sell ivermectin, but they're likely not trustworthy. Some sell fake or dangerous medicines that could harm you.
To buy this drug from an online pharmacy, you need a valid prescription from your doctor or healthcare provider. You can get a prescription from an in-person visit or through an online consultation.