The prescribed dosage for ivermectin oral tablets depends on the type of parasitic infection you have and your body weight. Ivermectin is typically taken as a single dose. Repeat doses may be needed in some cases.
Specifically, ivermectin oral tablet is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following conditions in adults and certain children:
- a parasitic infection in the intestinal tract called strongyloidiasis
- a parasitic infection of the eyes and skin called onchocerciasis
Ivermectin oral tablet is a generic medication and belongs to a drug class called antiparasitic medications. It is also available in a brand-name version called Stromectol.
This article describes the dosages of ivermectin oral tablets, as well as the medication’s strength and how to take it. To learn more about this drug, including its uses and side effects, see this overview of ivermectin oral tablets.
Note: Ivermectin is also available as a topical cream and an over-the-counter (OTC) topical lotion, but those forms aren’t included in this article.
The following table highlights the basics of ivermectin oral tablets’ doses. Doses depend on the type of parasitic infection you have and how much you weigh.
Drug strengths in the table are in micrograms (mcg). One mcg equals 0.001 milligram (mg). Body weight is measured in kilograms (kg). One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb).
| Parasitic infection | Ivermectin treatment (per oral dose) |
|---|---|
| strongyloidiasis | 200 mcg per kg of body weight |
| onchocerciasis | 150 mcg per kg of body weight |
Be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown above.
Depending on the condition it’s being used to treat, ivermectin oral tablet may be prescribed as a single dose. But in some cases, repeat doses may be needed.
Ivermectin form
This article is about the oral tablet form of ivermectin.
Ivermectin strength
Ivermectin tablets come in one strength: 3 mg.
Ivermectin is approved to treat the following conditions in adults and certain children:
The prescribed ivermectin dosage depends on the condition it’s being used to treat. In most cases, treatment with ivermectin requires only a single dose.
Dosage for treating strongyloidiasis
The typical ivermectin dose for strongyloidiasis is approximately 200 micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. Usually, more doses aren’t needed. But in some cases, a follow-up dose may be required to fully treat the infection.
The table below shows the typical number of 3-mg ivermectin tablets required for a single-dose treatment of strongyloidiasis.
| Body weight | Number of 3-mg ivermectin tablets |
|---|---|
| 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 | calculated based on 200 mcg/kg body weight |
Your doctor will choose a dose that fits your needs. Talk with them for details about your specific dosage.
Note: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, may need repeated doses of ivermectin to fully treat intestinal strongyloidiasis. In some cases, treatment may not fully cure the infection, so monthly suppressive therapy may be needed. Your doctor will monitor your condition and adjust your treatment as needed.
Dosage for treating onchocerciasis
Ivermectin is also approved to treat onchocerciasis. The typical dosage is a single dose of about 150 mcg/kg. But repeat doses may be needed.
There’s no set interval or rate for repeated ivermectin doses. Your doctor may re-treat the condition in as soon as 3 months. Intervals of 12 months have also been used.
The table below shows the typical number of 3-mg ivermectin tablets required for a single-dose treatment of onchocerciasis.
| Body weight | Number of 3-mg ivermectin tablets |
|---|---|
| 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 | calculated based on 150 mcg/kg body weight |
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.
Ivermectin is approved to treat strongyloidiasis of the intestinal tract and onchocerciasis in children of any age who weigh 15 kg (33 lb) or more.
The typical ivermectin dosage for children is the same as that for adults:
- For strongyloidiasis: 200 mcg per kg of body weight
- For onchocerciasis: 150 mcg per kg of body weight
Typically, a single dose is sufficient for treatment of strongyloidiasis. But in some cases (especially for treatment of onchocerciasis), repeat doses may be needed.
For more information about ivermectin’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor.
Note: Ivermectin has not been proven safe for children who weigh less than 15 kg (33 pounds). If your child needs treatment for parasitic infections, their doctor will recommend the safest and most effective option based on their weight and overall health.
Ivermectin comes as an oral tablet that you swallow. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for information about other forms ivermectin comes in.
Your doctor may recommend taking ivermectin with a full glass of water. They’ll also likely advise you to take it on an empty stomach.
You’ll likely need to follow up with your doctor after treatment. They can check how well ivermectin worked. Your doctor can also tell you if and when you need to receive treatment again.
If you have questions about how to take ivermectin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How long do you take ivermectin?
Ivermectin tablets are typically taken as a short-term, single-dose treatment for strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis. However, you may need follow-up visits with your doctor.
Onchocerciasis may require repeat treatments. Some people with weakened immune systems may need more strongyloidiasis treatment. People with strongyloidiasis may need follow-up exams after treatment, too.
Before you start taking ivermectin, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you. Talk with them about how long treatments and follow-up visits will last.
Do not take more ivermectin than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of ivermectin overdose
Overdose symptoms of ivermectin may include:
- feeling drowsy or dizzy
- a rash or itchiness
- swelling
- weakness
- pain in the abdomen
- tingling sensations
- poor coordination
- headache
- nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- difficulty breathing
- seizures
What to do if 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.
What is the ivermectin dosage for dogs?
It’s important to note, ivermectin prescribed for animals differs vastly from ivermectin prescribed to people. Certain forms of ivermectin are
Various products containing ivermectin exist for dogs. Their approved use, safety, effect, and dosing may rely on several factors, such as your dog’s:
- age
- weight
- breed
For this reason, it’s important to have your veterinarian examine the specific dog needing treatment. Talk with your veterinarian or veterinary pharmacist to learn more about your dog’s specific ivermectin dosage.
What is the ivermectin dosage for humans with COVID-19?
There’s no approved ivermectin dosage for humans with COVID-19. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t authorized or approved ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19.
Ivermectin, including the types prescribed for humans and animals, can cause severe and harmful effects. For this reason, it’s important to take ivermectin only and exactly as your doctor prescribes.
If you have questions about treating or preventing COVID-19, talk with your doctor. They can recommend suitable options for you.
Read more about what the FDA says about
What is the approved ivermectin dosage for scabies?
Ivermectin tablets may sometimes be prescribed for off-label uses, including scabies. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a use the FDA hasn’t approved it for.
Ivermectin tablets
Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.
