What is ivermectin?

What is ivermectin?
COMMON BRAND(S): STROMECTOL
GENERIC NAME(S): IVERMECTIN
Ivermectin is an anti-parasite medication.

Ivermectin is used to treat infections in the body that are caused by certain parasites.

Ivermectin is currently being investigated as a treatment for coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19. The trials so far have shown ivermectin reduces the number of cell-associated viral DNA by 99.8 % in 24 hours. Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of this medicine in humans with COVID-19.
How should I take ivermectin?
Never take ivermectin in larger amounts, or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label.

Take ivermectin on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Ivermectin is usually given as a single dose. Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

To effectively treat your infection, you may need to take ivermectin again several months to a year after your first dose.
Ivermectin dosing information
Usual Adult Dose of Ivermectin for Onchocerciasis:

0.15 mg/kg orally once every 12 months
Patients with heavy ocular infection may require retreatment every 6 months. Retreatment may be considered at intervals as short as 3 months.

Dosage guidelines based on body weight:
15 to 25 kg: 3 mg orally one time
26 to 44 kg: 6 mg orally one time
45 to 64 kg: 9 mg orally one time
65 to 84 kg: 12 mg orally one time
85 kg or more: 0.15 mg/kg orally one time

Usual Adult Dose for Strongyloidiasis:

0.2 mg/kg orally once
In immunocompromised (including HIV) patients, the treatment of strongyloidiasis may be refractory requiring repeated treatment (i.e., every 2 weeks) and suppressive therapy (i.e., once a month), although well-controlled studies are not available. Cure may not be achievable in these patients.

Ask you doctor if ivermectin is right for you.