ivermectin is a broad spectrum pest control, capable of paralyzing and eliminating different types of intestinal parasites that cause problems such as onchocercosis, elephantiasis, pediculosis, ascaridiasis, scabies or intestinal strongiloidosis, for example.
This drug can be administered in adults and children over 5 years of age and can be purchased from conventional pharmacies generically under the trade name Ivexterm, Quanox, Presteme, Paramectin, Ivertin, Ivercrem, Vermecton, Kaonol, Simpiox, Iverox or Soolantra, in tablet form, creates the suspendable drink.
Ivermectin is indicated for the treatment of
Strongiloidosis of the intestinal tract;
Filariasis (elephantiasis);
Gale (vendaval);
Ascaridosis (intestinal worm infestation);
Pediculosis (lice infestation);
Onchocercosis (river blindness)
In addition, ivermectin cream can also be used topically to treat skin with inflammatory damage due to rosacea in adults.
Although promising results have been shown in the elimination of the new coronavirus, ivermectin is not recommended for the treatment of COVID-19.
Ivermectin has been tested by Australian researchers in in vitro cell cultures, which has shown that it is effective in eliminating SARS-CoV-2 in just 48 hours [1]. However, these results are not sufficient to demonstrate its efficacy in humans, and clinical trials are needed to verify its true efficacy in vivo and to determine whether therapeutic doses are safe in humans, which may take between 6 and 9 months.
Learn more about medications to treat infection with the new coronavirus.
This medicine is normally used in single doses, which varies depending on the problem being treated and the person’s weight:
To treat strongyloidosis, filariasis, scabies infestation, or scabies, the recommended dose should be adjusted by weight, as follows:
Weight (in kilograms)
Number of tablets (6 mg)
15 to 24
1/2 tablet
25 to 35
1 tablet
36 to 50
1 1/2 tablets
51 to 65
2 tablets
66 to 79
2 1/2 tablets
more than 80
200 mcg per kg
To treat onchocercosis, the recommended dose, depending on weight, is:
Weight (in kilograms)
Number of tablets (6 mg)
15 to 25
1/2 tablet
26 to 44
1 tablet
45 to 64
1 1/2 tablets
65 to 84
2 tablets
more than 85
150 mcg per kg
The drug should be taken on an empty stomach, one hour before the first meal of the day, it should not be taken with barbiturates, benzodiazepines or valproic acid.
1% topical ivermectin should be applied to the affected area of the face once a day, in a very small corner, to avoid contact with the eyes and lips.
Side effects during treatment with this medicine include diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal pain, weight loss, stress and vomiting. In some situations, tides, drowsiness, spikes, sien and hives may occur.
In the case of topical ivermectin, certain effects such as skin burns and irritation are observed.
This medicine is indicated in pregnant women, lactating women, children under 5 years of age or younger than 15 kg and patients with meningitis or asthma. In addition, it should not be used in people with hypersensitivity to ivermectin or any of the other ingredients of the formula.