Ivermectin is a generic prescription drug used to treat specific infections from parasites. The drug comes as an oral tablet. It may be taken just once or routinely, depending on your condition.
Ivermectin is used in adults and certain children to treat the following types of infections caused by parasites:
- strongyloidasis, which may affect your intestines
- onchocerciasis, which may affect your skin and eyes
Ivermectin belongs to a group of drugs called anti-parasitics.
This article describes the dosages of ivermectin tablets, as well as its strength and how to take it. For a detailed overview of this drug, check out this in-depth ivermectin article.
The following table highlights the basics of ivermectin’s dosage.
| Condition | Usual recommended dose |
|---|---|
| strongyloidasis | one single dose |
| onchocerciasis | one dose every 3 to 12 months |
Your dosage will be based on your body weight in kilograms (kg). For reference, 1 kg is approximately equal to 2.2 pounds (lb).
Keep reading for more details about ivermectin’s dosage.
What is ivermectin’s form?
Ivermectin is available as an oral tablet.
What strength does ivermectin come in?
Ivermectin tablets come in one strength of 3 milligrams (mg).
What are the usual dosages of ivermectin in adults?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for strongyloidasis
For adults with strongyloidasis, a single dose of ivermectin is usually taken. The amount you’ll take is based on your body weight.
Your doctor may recommend a dosage of 200 micrograms (mcg) of ivermectin per kg of body weight. Check out the following dosage table, which your doctor may use to help prescribe your dose:
| Weight in kg | Number of tablets (3 mg each) |
|---|---|
| 15 to 24 kg | 1 tablet |
| 25 to 35 kg | 2 tablets |
| 36 to 50 kg | 3 tablets |
| 51 to 65 kg | 4 tablets |
| 66 to 79 kg | 5 tablets |
| 80 kg or more | 200 mcg per kg of body weight |
For example, if you weigh 68 kg (about 150 pounds), you’ll likely be prescribed a dose of five ivermectin tablets. Each tablet contains 3 mg, so the total dose is 15 mg.
A single dose will likely be a complete course of treatment. Your doctor will recommend when to screen your stool to make sure the infection has been properly treated. You may need to provide a stool sample monthly for the first 3 months after you take your dose.
Dosage for onchocerciasis
For adults with onchocerciasis, the typical dosage of ivermectin is based on much you weigh in kg.
Your doctor may recommend a dosage of 150 mcg of ivermectin per kg of body weight. Your doctor may use the following dosage table to help prescribe your dose:
| Weight in kg | Number of tablets (3 mg each) |
|---|---|
| 15 to 25 kg | 1 tablet |
| 26 to 44 kg | 2 tablets |
| 45 to 64 kg | 3 tablets |
| 65 to 84 kg | 4 tablets |
| 85 kg or more | 150 mcg per kg of body weight |
For example, if you weigh 68 kg (about 150 pounds), you’ll likely be prescribed four ivermectin tablets. Each tablet contains 3 mg, so the total dose is 12 mg.
Most people receive a single dose every 12 months. But some people may need to receive a dose every 3 months. Your doctor will determine the dosing interval that’s right for you.
What’s the dosage of ivermectin for children?
Ivermectin is used to help treat strongyloidasis and onchocerciasis in children who weigh at least 15 kg (about 33 pounds).
The dosage used in these children is the same as the dosage for adults. To learn more, see the “What are the usual dosages of ivermectin in adults?” section.
For more information about ivermectin’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
How to take ivermectin
You’ll take your dose of ivermectin at home. Take your dose with water but without food.
If you have questions about how to take your ivermectin dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is ivermectin used long term?
Whether ivermectin is used long term depends on your condition. In some cases, ivermectin is given as a single dose to provide a complete course of therapy. But in other cases, you’ll need to take this single dose at certain intervals. Talk with your doctor to learn more about how long you can expect to take ivermectin.
Do not take more ivermectin than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- difficulty speaking or with body movements
- tremors
- vomiting
- breathing slower than usual
- certain eye problems, such as your pupils being larger than usual or eyelids sagging
What to do in case you take too much ivermectin
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much ivermectin. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about ivermectin’s dosage.
Is the dosage of ivermectin the same when used in humans and dogs?
No. Ivermectin that’s prescribed for humans isn’t the same as the form that’s prescribed for animals, such as dogs. The dosages of each are also different.
Drugs for animals go through different regulatory processes than those prescribed for humans. This means that drugs for animals haven’t been studied in the same ways as drugs for humans.
Some people have taken ivermectin, including forms of the drug prescribed for animals, to treat or prevent COVID-19. But ivermectin isn’t Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for these uses in humans (or animals).
Never take forms of ivermectin intended for animals. Doing so can cause serious side effects, especially if taken in high doses.
Is ivermectin used for scabies? If so, what’s the dosage?
Ivermectin isn’t approved by the FDA to treat scabies. Scabies is an infection that may cause a skin rash when you come in contact with a certain type of mite (Sarcoptes scabiei).
But in some cases, your doctor may prescribe ivermectin off-label for this use. (With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.)
Because ivermectin isn’t approved for scabies, the drug manufacturer doesn’t provide recommended dosages for this use. Your doctor will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
To learn more about your treatment options for scabies, including ivermectin, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
