Ivermectin is a medicine that fights parasites. It is approved for some uses and used for others off-label. This guide covers all current uses, so you can see when and how to use ivermectin correctly.
FDA-Approved Uses:
- Treats intestinal strongyloidiasis
- Treats onchocerciasis, also called river blindness
- Used on the scalp for head lice
- Used on the skin for rosacea
Common Off-Label Uses:
- Treats scabies
- Used for cutaneous larva migrans
- Used against lymphatic filariasis
Read our guide for safety info and how to dose it.
Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis. Ivermectin is the main treatment.
Key points: Symptoms treated include stomach pain, bloating, and long-term diarrhea. You may see skin signs like larva currens and, in severe cases, breathing issues.
For doses, see our guide.
Ivermectin greatly changed how we treat river blindness, a disease that affects many in Africa and Latin America.
Treatment plan: Impact:
- Stops blindness and skin disease
- Has helped end onchocerciasis in many countries
- Is part of WHO's work on neglected tropical diseases
Head lice (Sklice Lotion):
- One dose to dry hair
- Leave on for 10 minutes
- Kills lice and eggs
- Approved for children 6 months and older
Rosacea (Soolantra Cream):
- Use once a day
- Lessens inflamed spots
- Works by reducing inflammation and Demodex mites
- Usually shows results in 2-4 weeks
Our guide for safety and doses has more info.
While not FDA-approved for scabies in the US, ivermectin is used widely worldwide.
Usage:
- Take 200 micrograms per kilogram as a single dose
- Symptoms improve in 1-2 days
- You can also use a cream called thiabendazole
It is used in mass programs to fight parasites.
Protocol:
- Combine with medicines like albendazole or diethylcarbamazine
- Give once a year
- This helps to wipe out certain diseases, as per WHO plans
Recent studies look into ivermectin for cancer, but this is still in research.
As of 2026, the BOHEMIA trial showed promise:
- Cut malaria in children by about 26%
- Used with other malaria treatments
- Important because of drug resistance
Current proof shows ivermectin is not approved for COVID-19. Many studies found it does not lower death or help patients leave the hospital sooner. Major health groups advise against using it for COVID-19.
In animals, ivermectin is used to prevent heartworm in dogs, control parasites in farm animals, and treat mange in many species.
You should not use ivermectin for:
- Viral infections like COVID-19
- Bacterial, fungal, or cancer conditions (unless in trials)
- Any condition not caused by parasites
Warnings:
- Avoid in pregnancy unless benefits are clear
- Do not use if you have Loa loa worms, as it can cause brain issues
- Be cautious if you have severe liver disease
- Take on an empty stomach with water, 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating
- Finish all doses, even if you get better
- Do not drink alcohol during treatment
- Watch for side effects
For detailed instructions, see our guide.
Follow-up:
- Get tests if your doctor recommends
- Watch for symptoms coming back
- Tell your doctor if side effects occur
Ivermectin fights many worms:
- Those inside the gut, like roundworms and strongyloides
- Tissue worms, such as onchocerciasis
- External parasites like lice and mites
- Some other worms
In areas where these bugs are common, ivermectin is given to many people at once. For one person, it is usually only used when a doctor confirms or strongly suspects an infection.
The drug stays in the body for about 18 hours and is mostly gone in 4-5 days. For more info, see our guide.
As of 2026, in some US states, people can buy ivermectin without a prescription. Still, the FDA warns that it should only be taken when a doctor says so, to be sure of the dose and safety.
We also have resources:
- Detailed doses and charts
- Complete safety info
- All you need to know
Last update was January 17, 2026. The author is Dr. Sarah Chen, an infectious disease doctor. The review team checked all content.
