Ivermectin: What It Treats, How It Works, and Safety Tips

Ivermectin is a medicine that kills certain parasites. Doctors prescribe it for conditions like strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, and some skin parasites such as scabies in specific cases. You may also see it used in animals — veterinary products are common, but they are not the same as human medicines.

What ivermectin is used for

In humans, ivermectin treats several parasitic infections. For example, it's effective against threadworms and some types of skin mites when given the right dose. Public health programs use it to control river blindness in affected regions. Those are approved, evidence-backed uses where the benefits are clear.

You might have heard a lot about ivermectin and COVID-19. Major health agencies, including the FDA and WHO, reviewed the data and advise against using ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19 outside of clinical trials. The studies that suggested benefit were small or had problems with how they were done. That’s why experts don’t recommend it for COVID-19 treatment in routine care.

Safety, side effects, and interactions

Most people tolerate ivermectin well, but side effects can happen. Common ones include dizziness, nausea, mild skin rash, and fatigue. More serious reactions are rare but can include low blood pressure, severe skin reactions, or neurological symptoms, especially if used incorrectly or with other medications. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take — ivermectin can interact with some drugs that affect the liver or the nervous system.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are special cases. Many guidelines recommend avoiding ivermectin in pregnancy unless a doctor specifically decides the benefit outweighs the risk. For children, dosing depends on weight and medical condition; never guess a dose based on size or age.

Never use veterinary ivermectin products meant for livestock or pets. Those formulations often have different concentrations and extra ingredients that can be harmful to people.

Thinking about buying ivermectin online? Use only licensed pharmacies that require a prescription and offer pharmacist contact details. Check for a physical address and positive reviews from reliable sources. Avoid sites that sell high doses, promote ivermectin for COVID-19 without evidence, or don’t ask for a prescription.

If you suspect a parasitic infection or are considering ivermectin for any reason, talk with a healthcare provider first. They can confirm the diagnosis, recommend the right dose, and watch for interactions. Safe use means proper diagnosis, correct dosing, and follow-up.

Under this tag you’ll find articles that explain ivermectin’s approved uses, safety checks, and practical buying tips. Read reliable sources and ask a clinician when in doubt — that’s the quickest way to avoid harm and get the right treatment.