Uses

What is topical ivermectin used for?

Topical ivermectin cream is commonly used for pimples and bumps caused by rosacea. The lotion is commonly used to treat head lice.

Topical ivermectin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does topical ivermectin work (mechanism of action)?

Ivermectin kills parasites such as lice by disrupting their nerves and muscles. For rosacea, ivermectin appears to work by killing parasites and reducing inflammation. 

How is topical ivermectin supplied (dosage forms)?

Topical ivermectin is available as Sklice, Soolantra, and generic topical ivermectin in the following dosage forms that are applied to the skin or scalp.

  • 0.5% topical lotion
  • 1% topical cream

Ivermectin is also available as oral tablets that are taken by mouth. See Ivermectin for more information.

How should I store topical ivermectin?

Topical ivermectin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze the lotion. Store the cream with the cap closed.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical ivermectin?

The most common side effects of topical ivermectin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin that feels like it is burning
  • Skin that looks irritated

There may be other side effects of topical ivermectin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical ivermectin?

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical ivermectin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical ivermectin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical ivermectin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical ivermectin.

  • Ivermectin
  • Sklice
  • Soolantra
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical ivermectin products they stock.

What should I know about topical ivermectin before using it?

Do not use topical ivermectin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share topical ivermectin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep topical ivermectin out of the reach of children.

Only apply the cream to your skin and the lotion to your scalp. Do not get the medicine in your mouth, eyes, eyelashes, eyebrows, ears, nose, lips, or vagina. If the medicine gets into your eyes, your eyes may become red, sore, and irritated. If this happens, gently flush your eyes with water.

Apply the lotion to dry hair. After 10 minutes, rinse your hair with only water. Use a washcloth to protect your eyes. Do not wash your hair with shampoo until 24 hours later. Wash your hands well after applying the lotion and rinsing your hair.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical ivermectin?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical ivermectin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical ivermectin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical ivermectin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does topical ivermectin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical ivermectin and food or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ivermectin.

Does topical ivermectin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between topical ivermectin and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does Ivermectin topical interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical ivermectin?

If you or someone else has used too much topical ivermectin or accidentally swallowed the medicine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical ivermectin?

The lotion is only applied once. If you miss a dose of the cream, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.