OTC Ivermectin
Tackett Compounding Pharmacy is now offering ivermectin to our patients under House Bill 25 and does not require a doctor’s prescription. Every order requires pharmacist review prior to dispensing
IVERMECTIN DOSING GUIDELINE
IVERMECTIN DOSING
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Ivermectin dose is based on body weight. An accurate and up to date body weight is important to ensure safe dosing
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The standard dose of ivermectin for parasitic infection is 0.15 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight for Onchocerciasis or 0.20 mg per kg of body weight for Strongyloidiasis
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Ivermectin is dosed as single, one time dose
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Stool test can be performed through your provider to verify eradication of infection
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Each tablet = 3 milligrams (mg) of ivermectin
HOW TO TAKE IVERMECTIN
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Take on an empty stomach with a full glass of water
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Take all tablets at the same time (one-time dose)
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Do not repeat without consultation with a doctor or pharmacist
HOW TO FIND YOUR DOSE
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Find your current body weight (lb or kg)
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Match your current body weight to the chart below
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Take the number of tablets listed next to your current weight
Alternatively you may calculate your own dosing based on body weight:
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Calculate your body weight in kg by taking your current weight in pounds divided by 2.2 (BW lbs / 2.2)
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Multiply your body weight in kg by the desired dose, either .15mg or .20mg, to get total dose in mg (BW kg x .15 OR .20 = total dose in mg)
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Divide your total dose in mg by 3 to get number of tablets needed (total dose mg/3 = # of tablets)​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
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Over-the-counter ivermectin will only be dispensed to adults 18 years of age and older. For pediatric patients, consult a qualified healthcare provider prior to use
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Do not use ivermectin if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
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Talk to a pharmacist if you have liver or kidney disease or other medical conditions that affect organ function
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Talk to your pharmacist about other medications you take
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Improper use of ivermectin may result in adverse consequences
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MEDICATION GUIDE
Ivermectin (Systemic)
PRONUNCIATION (eye ver MEK tin)
BRAND NAME(S): Stromectol
WHAT IS THIS DRUG USED FOR? It is used to treat certain parasite infections.
WHAT DO I NEED TO TELL MY DOCTOR BEFORE I TAKE THIS DRUG? If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS I NEED TO KNOW OR DO WHILE I TAKE THIS DRUG?
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Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
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You will need to have a stool exam after taking this drug to make sure the infection is gone.
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Some patients may need to take another dose of this drug to treat the infection. Talk with the doctor.
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To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
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Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
WHAT ARE SOME SIDE EFFECTS THAT I NEED TO CALL MY DOCTOR ABOUT RIGHT AWAY? WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
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Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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Severe dizziness or passing out.;
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Change in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation.
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Joint pain.
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Swelling.
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Fever.
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Swollen gland.
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Nervous system problems have happened with this drug. Sometimes, this may even lead to coma or death. Call your doctor right away if you feel very sleepy, sluggish, confused, or out of sorts.
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A very bad and sometimes deadly brain problem has happened in some patients who also have Loa loa infection. This is rare. Tell your doctor if you have been to West Africa or Central Africa where you can get this infection. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs like neck pain, back pain, red eyes, eye bleeding, shortness of breath, seizures, trouble walking or standing, confusion, feeling very tired or weak, or if you are unable to control your bladder or bowels.
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER SIDE EFFECTS OF THIS DRUG? All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
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Itching
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Skin irritation
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
HOW IS THIS DRUG BEST TAKEN? Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
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Take on an empty stomach.
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Take with a full glass of water.
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Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.
WHAT DO I DO IF I MISS A DOSE? Only 1 dose of this drug is needed. If you miss your dose, take it as soon as you think about it.
HOW DO I STORE AND/OR THROW OUT THIS DRUG?
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Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
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Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
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Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
GENERAL DRUG FACTS
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If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
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If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
CONSUMER INFORMATION USE AND DISCLAIMER This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Copyright 2026 UpToDate, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (Issue 26.1.3.007)
COMMON ADVERSE EFFECTS
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≥10%: Miscellaneous: Mazzotti reaction (associated with onchocerciasis: pruritus: 28%; fever: 23%; skin edema, papular rash, pustular rash, and urticaria: ≤23%; arthralgia and synovitis: ≤9%; lymphadenitis [axillary node: 4% to 11%, cervical node: 1% to 5%, inguinal node: 13% to 14%, other lymph node: 2% to 3%]) 1% to 10%:
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Cardiovascular: Orthostatic hypotension (1%), peripheral edema (3%), tachycardia (4%)
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Dermatologic: Pruritus (associated with strongyloidiasis: 3%)
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Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (2%), nausea (2%)
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Hematologic & oncologic: Decreased white blood cell count (3%), eosinophilia (3%), increased hemoglobin (1%)
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Hepatic: Increased serum alanine aminotransferase (2%), increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (2%)
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Hypersensitivity: Facial edema (1%)
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Nervous system: Dizziness (3%)
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Ophthalmic: Inflammation of limbus of eyes (4% to 6%), punctate cataract (1% to 2%)