Ivermectin

{{Short description|Medication for parasite infestations}} {{Use American English|date=May 2016}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2025}} {{cs1 config|name-list-style=vanc|display-authors=6}} {{Drugbox | Verifiedfields = changed | Watchedfields = changed | verifiedrevid = 457127811 | image = Ivermectin skeletal.svg | image_class = skin-invert-image | width = 300 | alt = | image2 = File:Ivermectin-B1a-from-xtal-3D-bs-17.png | image_class2 = bg-transparent | width2 = 250 | alt2 =

| pronounce = {{IPAc-en|ˌ|aɪ|v|ə|r|ˈ|m|ɛ|k|t|ᵻ|n}}, EYE-vər-MEK-tin | tradename = Stromectol, others | Drugs.com = {{ubl|Systemic {{drugs.com|monograph|ivermectin}}|Topical {{Drugs.com|monograph|ivermectin-topical}}}} | MedlinePlus = a607069 | DailyMedID = Ivermectin | pregnancy_AU = B3 | pregnancy_AU_comment = | routes_of_administration = By mouth, topical | class = | ATC_prefix = D11 | ATC_suffix = AX22 | ATC_supplemental = , {{ATC|P02|CF01}}, {{ATCvet|P54|AA01}}, {{ATCvet|S02|QA03}}

| legal_AU =  | legal_AU_comment = | legal_BR =  | legal_BR_comment = | legal_CA = Rx-only | legal_CA_comment = <ref>{{cite web | url=https://hpr-rps.hres.ca/reg-content/regulatory-decision-summary-detail.php?lang=en&linkID=RDS00498 | title=Regulatory Decision Summary for Stromectol | date=October 23, 2014 | access-date=June 7, 2022 | archive-date=June 7, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607074302/https://hpr-rps.hres.ca/reg-content/regulatory-decision-summary-detail.php?lang=en&linkID=RDS00498 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Health Canada New Drug Authorizations: 2015 Highlights | website=Health Canada | date=May 4, 2016 | url=https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/drugs-health-products/health-canada-new-drug-authorizations-2015-highlights.html | access-date=April 7, 2024 | archive-date=February 20, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220215421/https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/drugs-health-products/health-canada-new-drug-authorizations-2015-highlights.html | url-status=live }}</ref> | legal_DE =  | legal_DE_comment = | legal_NZ =  | legal_NZ_comment = | legal_UK =  | legal_UK_comment = | legal_US = Rx-only | legal_US_comment = <ref name="Stromectol FDA label" /><ref name="Soolantra FDA label" />  | legal_EU = Rx-only | legal_EU_comment = <ref>{{cite web | date=November 26, 2020 |title=List of nationally authorised medicinal products |url=https://www.ema.europa.eu/documents/psusa/ivermectin-topical-use-list-nationally-authorised-medicinal-products-psusa/00010376/202004_en.pdf| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228003009/https://www.ema.europa.eu/documents/psusa/ivermectin-topical-use-list-nationally-authorised-medicinal-products-psusa/00010376/202004_en.pdf| archive-date=December 28, 2020 |publisher=European Medicines Agency (EMA)|url-status=live}}</ref> | legal_UN =  | legal_UN_comment = | legal_status =

| CAS_number_Ref = {{cascite|correct|??}} | CAS_number = 70288-86-7 | CAS_supplemental = {{CAS|71827-03-7}} | PubChem = 6321424 | IUPHAR_ligand = | DrugBank_Ref = {{drugbankcite|correct|drugbank}} | DrugBank = DB00602 | ChemSpiderID_Ref = {{chemspidercite|correct|chemspider}} | ChemSpiderID = 7988461 | UNII_Ref = {{fdacite|correct|FDA}} | UNII = 8883YP2R6D | KEGG_Ref = {{keggcite|correct|kegg}} | KEGG = D00804 | ChEBI = 6078 | ChEMBL_Ref = {{ebicite|correct|EBI}} | ChEMBL = 1200633 | NIAID_ChemDB = | PDB_ligand = IVM | synonyms = MK-933

| IUPAC_name = 22,23-dihydroavermectin B1a + 22,23-dihydroavermectin B1b | chemical_formula = {{Chem | C|48 | H|74 | O|14}} {{nowrap|1=(22,23-dihydroavermectin B1a)}} {{Chem | C|47 | H|72 | O|14}} {{nowrap|1=(22,23-dihydroavermectin B1b)}} | molecular_weight = {{ubl|875.106 g·mol−1 {{nowrap|1=(22,23-dihydroavermectin B1a)}}|861.079 g·mol−1 {{nowrap|1=(22,23-dihydroavermectin B1b)}}}} | StdInChI_Ref = {{stdinchicite|correct|chemspider}} | StdInChI = 1S/C48H74O14.C47H72O14/c1-11-25(2)43-28(5)17-18-47(62-43)23-34-20-33(61-47)16-15-27(4)42(26(3)13-12-14-32-24-55-45-40(49)29(6)19-35(46(51)58-34)48(32,45)52)59-39-22-37(54-10)44(31(8)57-39)60-38-21-36(53-9)41(50)30(7)56-38;1-24(2)41-27(5)16-17-46(61-41)22-33-19-32(60-46)15-14-26(4)42(25(3)12-11-13-31-23-54-44-39(48)28(6)18–34(45(50)57-33)47(31,44)51)58-38-21-36(53–10)43(30(8)56–38)59-37-20-35(52–9)40(49)29(7)55-37/h12-15,19,25-26,28,30-31,33-45,49-50,52H,11,16-18,20-24H2,1-10H3;11-14,18,24-25,27,29-30,32-44,48-49,51H,15-17,19-23H2,1-10H3/b13-12+,27-15+,32-14+;12-11+,26-14+,31-13+/t25-,26-,28-,30-,31-,33+,34-,35-,36-,37-,38-,39-,40+,41-,42-,43+,44-,45+,47+,48+;25-,27-,29-,30-,32+,33-,34-,35-,36-,37-,38-,39+,40-,41+,42-,43-,44+,46+,47+/m00/s1 | StdInChIKey_Ref = {{stdinchicite|correct|chemspider}} | StdInChIKey = SPBDXSGPUHCETR-JFUDTMANSA-N | smiles = CC[C@H](C)[C@@H]1[C@H](CC[C@@]2(O1)C[C@@H]3C[C@H](O2)C/C=C(/[C@H]([C@H](/C=C/C=C/4\CO[C@H]5[C@@]4([C@@H](C=C([C@H]5O)C)C(=O)O3)O)C)O[C@H]6C[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H](O6)C)O[C@H]7C[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H](O7)C)O)OC)OC)\C)C.C[C@H]1CC[C@]2(C[C@@H]3C[C@H](O2)C/C=C(/[C@H]([C@H](/C=C/C=C/4\CO[C@H]5[C@@]4([C@@H](C=C([C@H]5O)C)C(=O)O3)O)C)O[C@H]6C[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H](O6)C)O[C@H]7C[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H](O7)C)O)OC)OC)\C)O[C@@H]1C(C)C |Jmol=None }}

'''Ivermectin''' is an antiparasitic medication.<ref name="Laing" /> After its discovery in 1975,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Campbell WC | title = History of avermectin and ivermectin, with notes on the history of other macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic agents | journal = Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | volume = 13 | issue = 6 | pages = 853–865 | date = May 2012 | pmid = 22039784 | doi = 10.2174/138920112800399095 }}</ref> its first uses were in veterinary medicine to prevent and treat heartworm and acariasis.<ref name="Sau2015">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SJvmCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA420 |title=Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs: Small and Large Animal |date=2015 |publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences |isbn=978-0-323-24486-2 |edition=4 |page=420 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131142826/https://books.google.com/books?id=SJvmCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA420 |archive-date=January 31, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Approved for human use in 1987,<ref name=Molyneux2015/> it is used to treat infestations including head lice, scabies, river blindness (onchocerciasis), strongyloidiasis, trichuriasis, ascariasis and lymphatic filariasis.<ref name=Sau2015/><ref name=AHFS2016/><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jglFsz5EJR8C&pg=PA333 |title=Drug Discovery a History |vauthors=Sneader W |date=2005 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-0-470-01552-0 |location=Chichester |page=333 |access-date=April 5, 2020 |archive-date=June 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615002423/https://books.google.com/books?id=jglFsz5EJR8C&pg=PA333 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date= August 23, 2019 |title=Ascariasis – Resources for Health Professionals |url=https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/ascariasis/health_professionals/index.html |access-date=December 28, 2019 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |archive-date=November 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121144213/http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/ascariasis/health_professionals/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> It works through many mechanisms to kill the targeted parasites,<ref name=AHFS2016/> and can be taken by mouth, or applied to the skin for external infestations.<ref name="AHFS2016" /><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Panahi Y, Poursaleh Z, Goldust M | title = The efficacy of topical and oral ivermectin in the treatment of human scabies | journal = Annals of Parasitology | volume = 61 | issue = 1 | pages = 11–16 | date = 2015 | pmid = 25911032 | url = https://www.annals-parasitology.eu/go.live.php/download_default/D660/2015-61-1_11.pdf | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200404213228/https://www.annals-parasitology.eu/go.live.php/download_default/D660/2015-61-1_11.pdf | archive-date = April 4, 2020 | url-status = live }}</ref> It belongs to the avermectin family of medications.<ref name="AHFS2016" />

William Campbell and Satoshi Ōmura were awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for its discovery and applications.<ref name="nobel-2015" /> It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.<ref name="WHO24th">{{cite book | vauthors = ((World Health Organization)) | title = The selection and use of essential medicines, 2025: WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 24th list | year = 2025 | hdl = 10665/382243 | author-link = World Health Organization | publisher = World Health Organization | location = Geneva | hdl-access = free | doi = 10.2471/B09474 | doi-access = free | id = License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO }}</ref> and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an antiparasitic agent.<ref name="ahmed20">{{cite journal | vauthors = Ahmed S, Karim MM, Ross AG, Hossain MS, Clemens JD, Sumiya MK, Phru CS, Rahman M, Zaman K, Somani J, Yasmin R, Hasnat MA, Kabir A, Aziz AB, Khan WA | title = A five-day course of ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19 may reduce the duration of illness | journal = International Journal of Infectious Diseases | volume = 103 | pages = 214–216 | date = February 2021 | pmid = 33278625 | pmc = 7709596 | doi = 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.11.191 }}</ref> In 2023, it was the 295th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 400,000 prescriptions.<ref>{{cite web | title=The Top 300 of 2023 | url=https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Top300Drugs.aspx | website=ClinCalc | access-date=August 17, 2025 | archive-date=August 17, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250817043812/https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Top300Drugs.aspx | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Ivermectin Drug Usage Statistics, United States, 2014 - 2023 | website = ClinCalc | url = https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Drugs/Ivermectin | access-date = August 17, 2025 }}</ref> It is available as a generic medicine.<ref>{{cite web | title=Ivermectin: FDA-Approved Drugs | website=U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) | url=https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=204154 | access-date=September 26, 2021 | archive-date=November 28, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128201313/https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=204154 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Ivermectin lotion: FDA-Approved Drugs | website=U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) | url=https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=210720 | access-date=September 25, 2021 | archive-date=September 26, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926032351/https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=210720 | url-status = live }}</ref> Ivermectin is available in a fixed-dose combination with albendazole.<ref>{{cite web | title=Ivermectin/Albendazole - opinion on medicine for use outside EU | website=European Medicines Agency (EMA) | date=January 30, 2025 | url=https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/opinion-medicine-use-outside-EU/human/ivermectin-albendazole | access-date=February 16, 2025}}</ref>

Misinformation was widely spread claiming that ivermectin is beneficial for treating and preventing COVID-19.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 10, 2021 |title=Anatomy of a conspiracy theory: how misinformation travels on Facebook |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/ng-interactive/2021/mar/11/anatomy-of-a-conspiracy-theory-how-misinformation-travels-on-facebook |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318085312/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/ng-interactive/2021/mar/11/anatomy-of-a-conspiracy-theory-how-misinformation-travels-on-facebook |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |access-date=May 26, 2021 |work=The Guardian |vauthors=Evershed N, McGowan M, Ball A}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=April 23, 2021 |title=Fact-checking claim about the use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19 |url=https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2021/apr/23/instagram-posts/fact-checking-claim-about-use-ivermectin-treat-cov/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318085305/https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2021/apr/23/instagram-posts/fact-checking-claim-about-use-ivermectin-treat-cov/ |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |access-date=May 26, 2021 |work=PolitiFact |location=Washington, DC}}</ref> Such claims are not backed by credible scientific evidence.<ref name="PoppReisSchießer2022">{{cite journal | vauthors = Popp M, Reis S, Schießer S, Hausinger RI, Stegemann M, Metzendorf MI, Kranke P, Meybohm P, Skoetz N, Weibel S | title = Ivermectin for preventing and treating COVID-19 | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 2022 | issue = 6 | article-number = CD015017 | date = June 2022 | pmid = 35726131 | pmc = 9215332 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD015017.pub3 }}</ref><ref name="EMAIvermectinCOVID2021"/><ref name="misleading-evidence">{{cite journal | vauthors = Garegnani LI, Madrid E, Meza N | title = Misleading clinical evidence and systematic reviews on ivermectin for COVID-19 | journal = BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine | date = April 2021 | volume = 27 | issue = 3 | pages = 156–158 | pmid = 33888547 | doi = 10.1136/bmjebm-2021-111678 | doi-access = free | title-link = doi }}</ref> Multiple major health organizations, including the US Food and Drug Administration,<ref name="FDAIvermectinCOVID2021">{{Cite web |date=December 10, 2021|title=Why You Should Not Use Ivermectin to Treat or Prevent COVID-19|url=https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/why-you-should-not-use-ivermectin-treat-or-prevent-covid-19|website=U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)|access-date=July 13, 2021|archive-date=August 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806053833/https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/why-you-should-not-use-ivermectin-treat-or-prevent-covid-19}}</ref> the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,<ref name="CDCIvermectinCOVID2021">{{Cite journal|date=August 26, 2021|title=Rapid Increase in Ivermectin Prescriptions and Reports of Severe Illness Associated with Use of Products Containing Ivermectin to Prevent or Treat COVID-19|url=https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/pdf/CDC_HAN_449.pdf|journal=CDC Health Alert Network|volume=CDCHAN-00449|access-date=January 4, 2022|archive-date=November 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103124438/https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/pdf/CDC_HAN_449.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> the European Medicines Agency,<ref name="EMAIvermectinCOVID2021">{{cite news |title=EMA advises against use of ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 outside randomised clinical trials |url=https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-advises-against-use-ivermectin-prevention-treatment-covid-19-outside-randomised-clinical-trials |access-date=December 15, 2022 |work=European Medicines Agency |date=March 22, 2021 |archive-date=January 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117073906/https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-advises-against-use-ivermectin-prevention-treatment-covid-19-outside-randomised-clinical-trials |url-status=live}}</ref> and the World Health Organization advise against the use of ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19.<ref name="EMAIvermectinCOVID2021" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=WHO advises that ivermectin only be used to treat COVID-19 within clinical trials|url=https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/who-advises-that-ivermectin-only-be-used-to-treat-covid-19-within-clinical-trials|access-date=January 4, 2022|website=World Health Organization (WHO)|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805102002/https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/who-advises-that-ivermectin-only-be-used-to-treat-covid-19-within-clinical-trials|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak, misinformation was spread that ivermectin was an effective treatment of hantavirus.<ref name = "Euro News 2026">{{cite web |title=From 'staged' to Israel: Hantavirus misinformation runs rampant online |url=https://www.euronews.com/video/2026/05/13/staged-claims-and-israeli-hoaxes-debunking-viral-conspiracy-theories-about-hantavirus |website=Euro News |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

== Medical uses == Ivermectin is used to treat human diseases caused by roundworms and a wide variety of external parasites.<ref name="Crump2017">{{cite journal | vauthors = Crump A | title = Ivermectin: enigmatic multifaceted 'wonder' drug continues to surprise and exceed expectations | journal = The Journal of Antibiotics | volume = 70 | issue = 5 | pages = 495–505 | date = May 2017 | pmid = 28196978 | doi = 10.1038/ja.2017.11 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

===Worm infections=== For river blindness (onchocerciasis) and lymphatic filariasis, ivermectin is typically given as part of mass drug administration campaigns that distribute the drug to all members of a community affected by the disease.<ref name="Ashour2019">{{cite journal | vauthors = Ashour DS | title = Ivermectin: From theory to clinical application | journal = International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents | volume = 54 | issue = 2 | pages = 134–142 | date = August 2019 | pmid = 31071469 | doi = 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2019.05.003 | s2cid = 149445017 }}</ref> Adult worms survive in the skin and eventually recover to produce larval worms again; to keep the worms at bay, ivermectin is given at least once per year for the 10{{ndash}}15-year lifespan of the adult worms.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 14, 2019 |title=Onchocerciasis |url=https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/onchocerciasis |access-date=January 11, 2021 |publisher=World Health Organization |archive-date=April 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411123533/https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/onchocerciasis |url-status=live}}</ref>

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers ivermectin the drug of choice for strongyloidiasis.<ref>{{cite web|title=Strongyloidiasis|url=https://www.who.int/intestinal_worms/epidemiology/strongyloidiasis/en/|access-date=January 25, 2021|publisher=World Health Organization|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/https://www.who.int/intestinal_worms/epidemiology/strongyloidiasis/en/}}</ref> Ivermectin is also the primary treatment for ''Mansonella ozzardi'' and cutaneous larva migrans.<ref name="PD7">{{cite book |url=https://parasiteswithoutborders.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/PD7thEditionLowResVersion5-11-2019.pdf |title=Parasitic Diseases |vauthors=Despommier DD, Griffin DO, Gwadz RW, Hotez PJ, Knirsch CA |date=2019 |publisher=Parasites Without Borders |edition=7 |location=New York|access-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-date=November 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124214329/https://parasiteswithoutborders.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/PD7thEditionLowResVersion5-11-2019.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|p=294}}<ref name="PD7" />{{rp|p=299}} The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends ivermectin, albendazole, or mebendazole as treatments for ascariasis.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 20, 2020 |title=Ascariasis – Resources for Health Professionals |url=https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/ascariasis/health_professionals/index.html#tx| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121144213/http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/ascariasis/health_professionals/index.html#tx| archive-date=November 21, 2010 |publisher=U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |access-date=February 10, 2021 | url-status = live }}</ref>{{efn|group=note|This recommendation is not universal. The World Health Organization recommends ascariasis be treated with mebendazole or pyrantel pamoate,<ref>{{cite web|title=Water related diseases – Ascariasis|url=https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases-risks/diseases/ascariasis/en/|publisher=World Health Organization|access-date=February 10, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases-risks/diseases/ascariasis/en/}}</ref> while the textbook ''Parasitic Diseases'' recommends albendazole or mebendazole.<ref name="PD7" />{{rp|p=211}} A 2020 Cochrane review concluded that the three drugs are equally safe and effective for treating ascariasis.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Conterno LO, Turchi MD, Corrêa I, Monteiro de Barros Almeida RA | title = Anthelmintic drugs for treating ascariasis | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 2020 | issue = 4 | article-number = CD010599 | date = April 2020 | pmid = 32289194 | pmc = 7156140 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD010599.pub2 }}</ref>}} Ivermectin is sometimes added to albendazole or mebendazole for whipworm treatment, and is considered a second-line treatment for gnathostomiasis.<ref name=PD7/>{{rp|p=299}}<ref name="PD7" />{{rp|p=201}} When co-administered, ivermectin and albendazole act in synergy.<ref name="EMA PR 20250131" /> Ivermectin targets the parasite's nervous and muscular systems, causing paralysis, while albendazole disrupts the parasite's metabolism and energy production.<ref name="EMA PR 20250131" /> This dual approach immobilizes and kills the parasite and improves the treatment's effectiveness.<ref name="EMA PR 20250131" />

In January 2025, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) adopted a positive scientific opinion for ivermectin/albendazole for the treatment of infections caused by several types of worm parasites including lymphatic filariasis, a neglected tropical disease.<ref name="EMA PR 20250131">{{cite web | title=New combination of medicines to treat parasitic worm infections | website=European Medicines Agency (EMA) | date=January 31, 2025 | url=https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/new-combination-medicines-treat-parasitic-worm-infections | access-date=February 16, 2025}} Text was copied from this source which is copyright European Medicines Agency. Reproduction is authorized provided the source is acknowledged.</ref> Ivermectin/albendazole is indicated for use in people aged five years of age or older, for the treatment of soil-transmitted helminth infections, caused by different types of intestinal parasitic worms, which are spread through soil contaminated by human feces in areas with poor sanitation.<ref name="EMA PR 20250131" /> Among the worms responsible for these diseases are hookworms (''Ancylostoma duodenale'', ''Necator americanus''), roundworms (''Ascaris lumbricoides''), whipworms (''Trichuris trichiura'') and a roundworm called ''Strongyloides stercoralis''.<ref name="EMA PR 20250131" /> Ivermectin/albendazole is also indicated for the treatment of microfilaraemia (the presence of worm larvae in the blood) in people with lymphatic filariasis.<ref name="EMA PR 20250131" /> Lymphatic filariasis is a neglected tropical disease commonly known as elephantiasis, which impairs the lymphatic system and can lead to the abnormal enlargement of body parts, causing pain, severe disability and social stigma.<ref name="EMA PR 20250131" /> Ivermectin/albendazole is indicated for the treatment of cases of lymphatic filariasis caused by ''Wuchereria bancrofti'', a parasite which is responsible for 90% of cases worldwide.<ref name="EMA PR 20250131" />

=== Mites and insects === Ivermectin is also used to treat infection with parasitic arthropods. Scabies – infestation with the mite ''Sarcoptes scabiei'' – is most commonly treated with topical permethrin or oral ivermectin. A single application of permethrin is more efficacious than a single treatment of ivermectin.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Usha V, Gopalakrishnan Nair TV | title = A comparative study of oral ivermectin and topical permethrin cream in the treatment of scabies | journal = Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology | volume = 42 | issue = 2 Pt 1 | pages = 236–240 | date = February 2000 | pmid = 10642678 | doi = 10.1016/S0190-9622(00)90131-2 }}</ref> For most scabies cases, ivermectin is used in a two-dose regimen: the first dose kills the active mites, but not their eggs. Over the next week, the eggs hatch, and a second dose kills the newly hatched mites.<ref name="Thomas2020">{{cite journal | vauthors = Thomas C, Coates SJ, Engelman D, Chosidow O, Chang AY | title = Ectoparasites: Scabies | journal = Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology | volume = 82 | issue = 3 | pages = 533–548 | date = March 2020 | pmid = 31310840 | doi = 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.05.109 | s2cid = 242599732 }}</ref><ref name="CDC-Scabies">{{cite web |date=October 2, 2019 |title=Scabies – Medications |url=https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/health_professionals/meds.html |publisher=U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |access-date=February 11, 2021 |archive-date=April 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430075605/http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/health_professionals/meds.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The two-dose regimen of ivermectin has similar efficacy to the single dose permethrin treatment. Ivermectin is, however, more effective than permethrin when used in the mass treatment of endemic scabies.<ref>{{Cite book | vauthors = Craig E |title=The Itch: Scabies |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2022 |isbn=978-0-19-284840-6 |edition=1st |location=United Kingdom |pages=146–152}}</ref> Similarly, oral ivermectin is increasingly used to control scabies outbreaks in semi-closed institutions (care homes, refugee camps, prisons etc.), where mass topical treatments often fail for logistical reasons.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Middleton J, Walker SL, House T, Head MG, Cassel JA | title = Ivermectin for the control of scabies outbreaks in the UK | journal = Lancet | volume = 394 | issue = 10214 | pages = 2068–2069 | date = December 2019 | pmid = 31818402 | doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(19)32619-4 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Richardson NA, Cassell JA, Head MG, Lanza S, Schaefer C, Walker SL, Middleton J | title = Scabies outbreak management in refugee/migrant camps in Europe 2014-2017: a retrospective qualitative interview study of healthcare staff experiences and perspectives | journal = BMJ Open | volume = 13 | issue = 11 | article-number = e075103 | date = November 2023 | pmid = 37940153 | pmc = 10632829 | doi = 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075103 | doi-access = free}}</ref>

For severe "crusted scabies", where the parasite burden is orders of magnitude higher than usual, the CDC recommends up to seven doses of ivermectin over the course of a month, along with a topical antiparasitic.<ref name="CDC-Scabies" /> Both head lice and pubic lice can be treated with oral ivermectin, an ivermectin lotion applied directly to the affected area, or various other insecticides.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Gunning K, Kiraly B, Pippitt K | title = Lice and Scabies: Treatment Update | journal = American Family Physician | volume = 99 | issue = 10 | pages = 635–642 | date = May 2019 | pmid = 31083883 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 12, 2019 |title=Pubic "Crab" Lice – Treatment |url=https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/pubic/treatment.html |publisher=U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |access-date=February 11, 2021 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112013500/https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/pubic/treatment.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Ivermectin is also used to treat rosacea and blepharitis, both of which can be caused or exacerbated by ''Demodex folliculorum'' mites.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = van Zuuren EJ | title = Rosacea | journal = The New England Journal of Medicine | volume = 377 | issue = 18 | pages = 1754–1764 | date = November 2017 | pmid = 29091565 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMcp1506630 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Elston CA, Elston DM | title = Demodex mites | journal = Clinics in Dermatology | volume = 32 | issue = 6 | pages = 739–743 | date = 2014 | pmid = 25441466 | doi = 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2014.02.012 }}</ref>

== Contraindications == The only absolute contraindication to the use of ivermectin is hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any component of the formulation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ivermectin (PIM 292) |url=https://inchem.org/documents/pims/pharm/ivermect.htm |website=inchem.org |publisher=InChem |access-date=April 3, 2022 |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426173526/https://inchem.org/documents/pims/pharm/ivermect.htm |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Stromectol (ivermectin) dose, indications, adverse effects, interactions |url=https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Stromectol-ivermectin-391 |website=www.pdr.net |publisher=Prescribers' Digital Reference |access-date=April 3, 2022 |archive-date=April 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425003811/https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Stromectol-ivermectin-391 |url-status=live}}</ref> In children under the age of five or those who weigh less than {{convert|15|kg|abbr=off}},<ref name="Dourmishev AL 2004">{{cite journal | vauthors = Dourmishev AL, Dourmishev LA, Schwartz RA | title = Ivermectin: pharmacology and application in dermatology | journal = International Journal of Dermatology | volume = 44 | issue = 12 | pages = 981–988 | date = December 2005 | pmid = 16409259 | doi = 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2004.02253.x }}</ref> there is limited data regarding the efficacy or safety of ivermectin, though the available data demonstrate few adverse effects.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Wilkins AL, Steer AC, Cranswick N, Gwee A | title = Question 1: Is it safe to use ivermectin in children less than five years of age and weighing less than 15 kg? | journal = Archives of Disease in Childhood | volume = 103 | issue = 5 | pages = 514–519 | date = May 2018 | pmid = 29463522 | doi = 10.1136/archdischild-2017-314505 | s2cid = 3441595 }}</ref> However, the American Academy of Pediatrics cautions against use of ivermectin in such patients, as the blood–brain barrier is less developed, and thus there may be an increased risk of particular CNS side effects such as encephalopathy, ataxia, coma, or death.<ref name="AAPIvermectinMonographs">{{cite journal |title=Ivermectin – Drug Monographs – Pediatric Care Online |journal=American Academy of Pediatrics Drug Monographs |date=August 2021 |url=https://publications.aap.org/pediatriccare/drug-monograph/18/6030 |access-date=April 2, 2022 |archive-date=June 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610025941/https://publications.aap.org/pediatriccare/drug-monograph/18/6030?autologincheck=redirected |url-status=live}}</ref> The American Academy of Family Physicians also recommends against use in these patients, given a lack of sufficient data to prove drug safety.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Fawcett RS |title=Ivermectin Use in Scabies |journal=American Family Physician |date=September 15, 2003 |volume=68 |issue=6 |pages=1089–1092 |pmid=14524395 |url=https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0915/p1089.html |access-date=April 2, 2022 |issn=0002-838X |archive-date=December 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227192205/https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0915/p1089.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Ivermectin is secreted in very low concentration in breast milk.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Koh YP, Tian EA, Oon HH | title = New changes in pregnancy and lactation labelling: Review of dermatologic drugs | journal = International Journal of Women's Dermatology | volume = 5 | issue = 4 | pages = 216–226 | date = September 2019 | pmid = 31700976 | pmc = 6831768 | doi = 10.1016/j.ijwd.2019.05.002 }}</ref> It remains unclear if ivermectin is safe during pregnancy.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Nicolas P, Maia MF, Bassat Q, Kobylinski KC, Monteiro W, Rabinovich NR, Menéndez C, Bardají A, Chaccour C | title = Safety of oral ivermectin during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis | journal = The Lancet. Global Health | volume = 8 | issue = 1 | pages = e92–e100 | date = January 2020 | pmid = 31839144 | doi = 10.1016/S2214-109X(19)30453-X | pmc = 7613514 | doi-access = free | title-link = doi }}</ref>

== Adverse effects == Side effects, although uncommon, include fever, itching, and skin rash when taken by mouth;<ref name="AHFS2016">{{cite web |title=Ivermectin |url=https://www.drugs.com/monograph/ivermectin.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103191914/http://www.drugs.com/monograph/ivermectin.html |archive-date=January 3, 2016 |access-date=January 16, 2016 |publisher=The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists | url-status = live }}</ref> and red eyes, dry skin, and burning skin when used topically for head lice.<ref name="AHFStopical">{{cite web |date=July 27, 2020 |title=Ivermectin (topical) |url=https://www.drugs.com/monograph/ivermectin-topical.html |access-date=January 16, 2021 |publisher=The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318085345/https://www.drugs.com/monograph/ivermectin-topical.html |url-status=live}}</ref> It is unclear if the drug is safe for use during pregnancy, but it is probably acceptable for use during breastfeeding.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ivermectin Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding |url=https://www.drugs.com/breastfeeding/ivermectin.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101113118/http://www.drugs.com/breastfeeding/ivermectin.html |archive-date=January 1, 2016 |access-date=January 16, 2016 |website=Drugs.com | url-status = live }}</ref>

Ivermectin is known to cause severe encephalopathies in some circumstances.<ref name="fda" />

Ivermectin is considered relatively free of toxicity in standard doses (around 300 μg/kg).<ref name="Safety of high-dose ivermectin: a s">{{cite journal | vauthors = Navarro M, Camprubí D, Requena-Méndez A, Buonfrate D, Giorli G, Kamgno J, Gardon J, Boussinesq M, Muñoz J, Krolewiecki A | title = Safety of high-dose ivermectin: a systematic review and meta-analysis | journal = The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy | volume = 75 | issue = 4 | pages = 827–834 | date = April 2020 | pmid = 31960060 | doi = 10.1093/jac/dkz524 }}</ref><ref name="Martin Robertson Choudhary">{{cite journal | vauthors = Martin RJ, Robertson AP, Choudhary S | title = Ivermectin: An Anthelmintic, an Insecticide, and Much More | journal = Trends in Parasitology | volume = 37 | issue = 1 | pages = 48–64 | date = January 2021 | pmid = 33189582 | pmc = 7853155 | doi = 10.1016/j.pt.2020.10.005 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Based on the data drug safety sheet for ivermectin,{{Efn|New Drug Application Identifier: 50-742/S-022}} side effects are uncommon. However, serious adverse events following ivermectin treatment are more common in people with very high burdens of larval ''Loa loa'' worms in their blood.<ref name=Pion2019>{{cite journal | vauthors = Pion SD, Tchatchueng-Mbougua JB, Chesnais CB, Kamgno J, Gardon J, Chippaux JP, Ranque S, Ernould JC, Garcia A, Boussinesq M | title = Effect of a Single Standard Dose (150–200 μg/kg) of Ivermectin on ''Loa loa'' Microfilaremia: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis | journal = Open Forum Infectious Diseases | volume = 6 | issue = 4 | article-number = ofz019 | date = April 2019 | pmid = 30968052 | pmc = 6449757 | doi = 10.1093/ofid/ofz019 }}</ref> Those who have over 30,000 microfilaria per milliliter of blood risk inflammation and capillary blockage due to the rapid death of the microfilaria following ivermectin treatment.<ref name=Pion2019/>

One concern is neurotoxicity after large overdoses, which in most mammalian species may manifest as central nervous system depression,<ref name="Martin Robertson Choudhary"/> ataxia, coma, and death,<ref name="fda">{{cite journal | vauthors = Campillo JT, Boussinesq M, Bertout S, Faillie JL, Chesnais CB | title = Serious adverse reactions associated with ivermectin: A systematic pharmacovigilance study in sub-Saharan Africa and in the rest of the World | journal = PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases | volume = 15 | issue = 4 | article-number = e0009354 | date = April 2021 | pmid = 33878105 | pmc = 8087035 | doi = 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009354 | quote = "Few hours after administration: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, salivation, tachycardia, hypotension, ataxia, pyramidal signs, binocular diplopia" | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="FDAIvermectinCOVID2021"/> as might be expected from potentiation of inhibitory chloride channels.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = El-Saber Batiha G, Alqahtani A, Ilesanmi OB, Saati AA, El-Mleeh A, Hetta HF, Magdy Beshbishy A | title = Avermectin Derivatives, Pharmacokinetics, Therapeutic and Toxic Dosages, Mechanism of Action, and Their Biological Effects | journal = Pharmaceuticals | volume = 13 | issue = 8 | page = 196 | date = August 2020 | pmid = 32824399 | pmc = 7464486 | doi = 10.3390/ph13080196 | quote = "Based on the reported neurotoxicity and metabolic pathway of IVM, caution should be taken to conduct clinical trial on its antiviral potentials. The GABA-gated chloride channels in the human nervous system might be a target for IVM, this is because the BBB in disease-patient might be weakened as a result of inflammation and other destructive processes, allowing IVM to cross the BBB and gain access to the CNS where it can elicit its neurotoxic effect" | doi-access = free | title-link = doi }}</ref>

Since drugs that inhibit the enzyme CYP3A4 often also inhibit P-glycoprotein transport, the risk of increased absorption past the blood-brain barrier exists when ivermectin is administered along with other CYP3A4 inhibitors. These drugs include statins, HIV protease inhibitors, many calcium channel blockers, lidocaine, benzodiazepines, and glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone.<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Brunton LL, Lazo JS, Paker KL |title=Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. |date=2006 |publisher=McGraw-Hill |location=New York |isbn=978-0-07-142280-2 | oclc = 1037399847 |edition=11th | pages = 1084–87  }}</ref>

During a typical treatment course, ivermectin can cause minor aminotransferase elevations. In rare cases it can cause mild clinically apparent liver disease.<ref>{{cite book | chapter-url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548921/ | chapter = Ivermectin |date=2012 | title = LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury |publisher=National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases |location=Bethesda, Maryland |pmid=31644227 |access-date=May 30, 2021 |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318085433/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548921/ }}</ref>

To provide context for the dosing and toxicity ranges, the {{LD50}} of ivermectin in mice is 25 mg/kg (oral), and 80 mg/kg in dogs, corresponding to an approximated human-equivalent dose LD50 range of 2.02–43.24 mg/kg,<ref name="Juarez_2018">{{cite journal | vauthors = Juarez M, Schcolnik-Cabrera A, Dueñas-Gonzalez A | title = The multitargeted drug ivermectin: from an antiparasitic agent to a repositioned cancer drug | journal = American Journal of Cancer Research | volume = 8 | issue = 2 | pages = 317–331 | date = 2018 | pmid = 29511601 | pmc = 5835698 }}</ref> which is far more than its FDA-approved usage (a single dose of 0.150–0.200 mg/kg to be used for specific parasitic infections).<ref name="Stromectol FDA label" /> While ivermectin has also been studied for use in COVID-19, and while it has some ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 ''in vitro'', achieving 50% inhibition ''in vitro'' was found to require an estimated oral dose of 7.0 mg/kg (or 35x the maximum FDA-approved dosage),<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Schmith VD, Zhou JJ, Lohmer LR | title = The Approved Dose of Ivermectin Alone is not the Ideal Dose for the Treatment of COVID-19 | journal = Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics | volume = 108 | issue = 4 | pages = 762–765 | date = October 2020 | pmid = 32378737 | pmc = 7267287 | doi = 10.1002/cpt.1889 }}</ref> high enough to be considered ivermectin poisoning.<ref name ="Juarez_2018"/> Despite insufficient data to show any safe and effective dosing regimen for ivermectin in COVID-19, doses have been taken far more than FDA-approved dosing, leading the CDC to issue a warning of overdose symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, decreased level of consciousness, confusion, blurred vision, visual hallucinations, loss of coordination and balance, seizures, coma, and death. The CDC advises against consuming doses intended for livestock or doses intended for external use and warns that increasing misuse of ivermectin-containing products is increasing harmful overdoses.<ref name="cdchealthadvisory">{{Cite web|date=August 26, 2021|title=Rapid Increase in Ivermectin Prescriptions and Reports of Severe Illness Associated with Use of Products Containing Ivermectin to Prevent or Treat COVID-19|url=https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00449.asp|access-date=September 4, 2021|website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention|archive-date=March 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318091159/https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00449.asp | url-status = live }}</ref>

== Pharmacology == [[File:Ivermectin mechanism of action 3RHW.png|thumb|upright=1.5|Ivermectin (IVM) bound to a ''C. elegans'' GluClR. IVM molecules interact with a binding pocket formed by the transmembrane domains of adjacent GluClR subunits, "locking" the receptor in an activated (open) conformation that allows unrestricted passage of chloride (Cl−) ions into the cell. (The plasma membrane is represented as a blue–pink gradient.) From {{PDB|3RHW}}.]]

=== Mechanism of action === Ivermectin and its related drugs act by interfering with the nerve and muscle functions of helminths and insects.<ref name="Martin Robertson Choudhary"/> The drug binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels common to invertebrate nerve and muscle cells.<ref name="Omura2014">{{cite journal | vauthors = Omura S, Crump A | title = Ivermectin: panacea for resource-poor communities? | journal = Trends in Parasitology | volume = 30 | issue = 9 | pages = 445–455 | date = September 2014 | pmid = 25130507 | doi = 10.1016/j.pt.2014.07.005 | doi-access = free }}</ref> The binding pushes the channels open, which increases the flow of chloride ions and hyper-polarizes the cell membranes,<ref name="Martin Robertson Choudhary"/> paralyzing and killing the invertebrate.<ref name=Omura2014/> Ivermectin is safe for mammals (at the normal therapeutic doses used to cure parasite infections) because mammalian glutamate-gated chloride channels only occur in the brain and spinal cord: the causative avermectins usually do not cross the blood–brain barrier, and are unlikely to bind to other mammalian ligand-gated channels.<ref name="Omura2014" />

=== Pharmacokinetics === Ivermectin can be given by mouth, topically, or via injection. Oral doses are absorbed into systemic circulation; the alcoholic solution form is more orally available than tablet and capsule forms. Ivermectin is widely distributed in the body.<ref name="pmid18446504">{{cite journal | vauthors = González Canga A, Sahagún Prieto AM, Diez Liébana MJ, Fernández Martínez N, Sierra Vega M, García Vieitez JJ | title = The pharmacokinetics and interactions of ivermectin in humans—a mini-review | journal = The AAPS Journal | volume = 10 | issue = 1 | pages = 42–46 | date = 2008 | pmid = 18446504 | pmc = 2751445 | doi = 10.1208/s12248-007-9000-9 }}</ref>

Ivermectin does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier of mammals due to the presence of P-glycoprotein (the ''MDR1'' gene mutation affects the function of this protein).<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Borst P, Schinkel AH | title = What have we learnt thus far from mice with disrupted P-glycoprotein genes? | journal = European Journal of Cancer | volume = 32A | issue = 6 | pages = 985–990 | date = June 1996 | pmid = 8763339 | doi = 10.1016/0959-8049(96)00063-9 }}</ref> Crossing may still become significant if ivermectin is given at high doses, in which case brain levels peak 2–5 hours after administration. In contrast to mammals, ivermectin can cross the blood-brain barrier in tortoises, often with fatal consequences.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Teare JA, Bush M | title = Toxicity and efficacy of ivermectin in chelonians | journal = Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association | volume = 183 | issue = 11 | pages = 1195–1197 | date = December 1983 | doi = 10.2460/javma.1983.183.11.1195 | pmid = 6689009 | url = https://repository.si.edu/bitstream/handle/10088/4426/Teare1983.pdf | access-date = October 26, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211025214737/https://repository.si.edu/bitstream/handle/10088/4426/Teare1983.pdf | archive-date = October 25, 2021 | url-status = live }}</ref>

Ivermectin is metabolized into eight different products by human CYP3A4, two of which (M1, M2) remain toxic to mosquitos. M1 and M2 also have longer elimination half-lives of about 55 hours. CYP3A5 produces a ninth metabolite.<ref name="mosquito23">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kern C, Müller P, Chaccour C, Liechti ME, Hammann F, Duthaler U | title = Pharmacokinetics of ivermectin metabolites and their activity against Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes | journal = Malaria Journal | volume = 22 | issue = 1 | article-number = 194 | date = June 2023 | pmid = 37355605 | pmc = 10290335 | doi = 10.1186/s12936-023-04624-0 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

== Chemistry == class=skin-invert-image|thumb|Avermectins produced by fermentation are the chemical starting point for ivermectin Fermentation of ''Streptomyces avermitilis'' yields eight closely related avermectin homologues, of which B1a and B1b form the bulk of the products isolated. In a separate chemical step, the mixture is hydrogenated to give ivermectin, which is an approximately 80:20 mixture of the two 22,23-dihydroavermectin compounds.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lasota JA, Dybas RA | title = Avermectins, a novel class of compounds: implications for use in arthropod pest control | journal = Annual Review of Entomology | volume = 36 | pages = 91–117 | year = 1991 | pmid = 2006872 | doi = 10.1146/annurev.en.36.010191.000515 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Insecticides with Novel Modes of Action |vauthors=Jansson RK, Dybas RA |publisher=Springer |year=1998 |isbn=978-3-642-08314-3 |series=Applied Agriculture |location=Berlin, Heidelberg |pages=152–70 |chapter=Avermectins: Biochemical Mode of Action, Biological Activity and Agricultural Importance |doi=10.1007/978-3-662-03565-8_9}}</ref><ref name=Laing/>

Ivermectin is a macrocyclical lactone.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Campbell WC | title = Ivermectin: an update | journal = Parasitology Today | volume = 1 | issue = 1 | pages = 10–16 | date = July 1985 | pmid = 15275618 | doi = 10.1016/0169-4758(85)90100-0 }}</ref>

== History == The avermectin family of compounds was discovered by Satoshi Ōmura of Kitasato University and William Campbell of Merck.<ref name="Laing" /> In 1970, Ōmura isolated a strain of ''Streptomyces avermitilis'' from woodland soil near a golf course along the southeast coast of Honshu, Japan.<ref name="Laing">{{cite journal | vauthors = Laing R, Gillan V, Devaney E | title = Ivermectin – Old Drug, New Tricks? | journal = Trends in Parasitology | volume = 33 | issue = 6 | pages = 463–472 | date = June 2017 | pmid = 28285851 | pmc = 5446326 | doi = 10.1016/j.pt.2017.02.004 }}</ref> Ōmura sent the bacteria to William Campbell, who showed that the bacterial culture could cure mice infected with the roundworm ''Heligmosomoides polygyrus''.<ref name=Laing/> Campbell isolated the active compounds from the bacterial culture, naming them "avermectins" and the bacterium ''Streptomyces avermitilis'' for the compounds' ability to clear mice of worms (in Latin: ''a'' 'without', ''vermis'' 'worms').<ref name=Laing/> Of the various avermectins, Campbell's group found the compound "avermectin B1" to be the most potent when taken orally.<ref name=Laing/> They synthesized modified forms of avermectin B1 to improve its pharmaceutical properties, eventually choosing a mixture of at least 80% 22,23-dihydroavermectin B1a and up to 20% 22,23-dihydroavermectin B1b, a combination they called "ivermectin".<ref name=Laing/><ref name="Ivermectin: a potent new antiparasi">{{cite journal | vauthors = Campbell WC, Fisher MH, Stapley EO, Albers-Schönberg G, Jacob TA | title = Ivermectin: a potent new antiparasitic agent | journal = Science | volume = 221 | issue = 4613 | pages = 823–828 | date = August 1983 | pmid = 6308762 | doi = 10.1126/science.6308762 | bibcode = 1983Sci...221..823C }}</ref>

The discovery of ivermectin has been described as a combination of "chance and choice." Merck was looking for a broad-spectrum anthelmintic, which ivermectin is; however, Campbell noted that they "...also found a broad-spectrum agent for the control of ectoparasitic insects and mites."<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Campbell WC | title = Serendipity and new drugs for infectious disease | journal = ILAR Journal | volume = 46 | issue = 4 | pages = 352–356 | date = January 1, 2005 | pmid = 16179743 | doi = 10.1093/ilar.46.4.352 | doi-access = free | title-link = doi }}</ref>

Merck began marketing ivermectin as a veterinary antiparasitic in 1981.<ref name=Laing/> By 1986, ivermectin was registered for use in 46 countries and was administered massively to cattle, sheep, and other animals.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Omura S, Crump A | title = The life and times of ivermectin – a success story | journal = Nature Reviews. Microbiology | volume = 2 | issue = 12 | pages = 984–989 | date = December 2004 | pmid = 15550944 | doi = 10.1038/nrmicro1048 | s2cid = 22722403 }}</ref> By the late 1980s, ivermectin was the bestselling veterinary medicine in the world.<ref name=Laing/> Following its blockbuster success as a veterinary antiparasitic, another Merck scientist, Mohamed Aziz, collaborated with the World Health Organization to test the safety and efficacy of ivermectin against onchocerciasis in humans.<ref name=Molyneux2015>{{cite journal | vauthors = Molyneux DH, Ward SA | title = Reflections on the Nobel Prize for Medicine 2015—The Public Health Legacy and Impact of Avermectin and Artemisinin | journal = Trends in Parasitology | volume = 31 | issue = 12 | pages = 605–607 | date = December 2015 | pmid = 26552892 | doi = 10.1016/j.pt.2015.10.008 }}</ref> They found it to be highly safe and effective,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Crump A, Morel CM, Omura S | title = The onchocerciasis chronicle: from the beginning to the end? | journal = Trends in Parasitology | volume = 28 | issue = 7 | pages = 280–288 | date = July 2012 | pmid = 22633470 | doi = 10.1016/j.pt.2012.04.005 | doi-access = free | title-link = doi }}</ref> triggering Merck to register ivermectin for human use as "Mectizan" in France in 1987.<ref name=Molyneux2015/> A year later, Merck CEO Roy Vagelos agreed that Merck would donate all ivermectin needed to eradicate river blindness.<ref name=Molyneux2015/> In 1998, that donation would be expanded to include ivermectin used to treat lymphatic filariasis.<ref name=Molyneux2015/>

Ivermectin earned the title of "wonder drug" for the treatment of nematodes and arthropod parasites.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Geary TG | title = Ivermectin 20 years on: maturation of a wonder drug | journal = Trends in Parasitology | volume = 21 | issue = 11 | pages = 530–532 | date = November 2005 | pmid = 16126457 | doi = 10.1016/j.pt.2005.08.014 }}</ref> Ivermectin has been used safely by hundreds of millions of people to treat river blindness and lymphatic filariasis.<ref name=Laing/>

Half of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to Campbell and Ōmura for discovering ivermectin, "the derivatives of which have radically lowered the incidence of river blindness and lymphatic filariasis, as well as showing efficacy against an expanding number of other parasitic diseases".<ref name="nobel-2015">{{cite web |title=The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2015 |url=https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2015/press.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006112430/http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2015/press.pdf |archive-date=October 6, 2015 |access-date=October 7, 2015 |publisher=Nobel Foundation }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2015 | website=NobelPrize.org | date=March 18, 2023 | url=https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2015/summary/ | access-date=March 18, 2023 | archive-date=May 23, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523072744/https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2015/summary/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

==Society and culture== ===COVID-19 misinformation=== {{Excerpt |Ivermectin during the COVID-19 pandemic |paragraphs=2–3 |only=paragraphs}}

===Economics=== The initial price proposed by Merck in 1987 was {{Currency|6|USD}} per treatment, which was unaffordable for patients who most needed ivermectin.<ref name="Crump2011">{{cite journal | vauthors = Crump A, Ōmura S | title = Ivermectin, 'wonder drug' from Japan: the human use perspective | journal = Proceedings of the Japan Academy. Series B, Physical and Biological Sciences | volume = 87 | issue = 2 | pages = 13–28 | date = 2011 | pmid = 21321478 | pmc = 3043740 | doi = 10.2183/pjab.87.13 | bibcode = 2011PJAB...87...13C }}</ref> The company donated hundreds of millions of courses of treatments since 1988 in more than 30 countries.<ref name=Crump2011/> Between 1995 and 2010, using donated ivermectin to prevent river blindness, the program is estimated to have prevented seven million years of disability at a cost of {{Currency|257 million|USD|passthrough=yes}}.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e0nYBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT158 |title=African Health Leaders: Making Change and Claiming the Future |vauthors=Omaswa F, Crisp N |date=2014 |publisher=OUP Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-100841-2 |page=PT158 |access-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803122732/https://books.google.com/books?id=e0nYBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT158 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Ivermectin is considered an inexpensive drug.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Arévalo AP, Pagotto R, Pórfido JL, Daghero H, Segovia M, Yamasaki K, Varela B, Hill M, Verdes JM, Duhalde Vega M, Bollati-Fogolín M, Crispo M | title = Ivermectin reduces in vivo coronavirus infection in a mouse experimental model | journal = Scientific Reports | volume = 11 | issue = 1 | article-number = 7132 | date = March 2021 | pmid = 33785846 | pmc = 8010049 | doi = 10.1038/s41598-021-86679-0 | bibcode = 2021NatSR..11.7132A }}</ref> As of 2019, ivermectin tablets (Stromectol) in the United States are the least expensive treatment option for lice in children at approximately {{Currency|9.30|USD|passthrough=yes}}{{efn|text=For 2 tablets, minimum dosage for a 30kg child, for one dose (two doses are often recommended for treatment).}}, while Sklice, an ivermectin lotion, cost around {{Currency|300|USD}} for {{Convert|4|USfloz|mL|order=flip|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}{{efn|text=For one treatment.}}.<ref name="Nelson2019">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LJuRDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA3867|title=Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics E-Book|vauthors=Kliegman RM, St Geme J|date=2019|publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences|isbn=978-0-323-56888-3|page=3575|access-date=April 6, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803115812/https://books.google.com/books?id=LJuRDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA3867|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{As of|2019|}}, the cost effectiveness of treating scabies and lice with ivermectin has not been studied.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545083/|title=Ivermectin for Parasitic Skin Infections of Scabies: A Review of Comparative Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness, and Guidelines|vauthors=Chiu S, Argaez C|date=2019|publisher=Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health|series=CADTH Rapid Response Reports|location=Ottawa (ON)|pmid=31424718|access-date=July 4, 2020|archive-date=March 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318091248/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545083/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545892/|title=Ivermectin for Parasitic Skin Infections of Lice: A Review of Comparative Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness, and Guidelines|vauthors=Young C, Argáez C|date=2019|publisher=Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health|series=CADTH Rapid Response Reports|location=Ottawa (ON)|pmid=31487135|access-date=July 4, 2020|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545892/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Brand names === It is sold under the brand names Heartgard, Sklice,<ref name="Sklice FDA label">{{cite web |date=November 9, 2017 |title=Sklice – ivermectin lotion |url=https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c74905e6-fc04-4244-880b-98ab0551df21 |access-date=October 28, 2020 |website=DailyMed |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031131544/https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c74905e6-fc04-4244-880b-98ab0551df21 |url-status=live}}</ref> and Stromectol<ref name="Stromectol FDA label">{{cite web |date=December 15, 2019 |title=Stromectol – ivermectin tablet |url=https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=681888c9-af79-4b7d-ae80-c3f4f6f1effd |access-date=October 28, 2020 |website=DailyMed |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031133921/https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=681888c9-af79-4b7d-ae80-c3f4f6f1effd |url-status=live}}</ref> in the United States, Ivomec worldwide by Merial Animal Health, Mectizan in Canada by Merck, Iver-DT<ref>{{cite web |date=May 27, 2014 |title=Alive Pharmaceutical (P) LTD.: Iver-DT |url=http://alivepharmaceutical.blogspot.com/2014/05/iver-dt.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304223410/http://alivepharmaceutical.blogspot.com/2014/05/iver-dt.html |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=October 7, 2015 |website=Alive Pharmaceutical (P) LTD. |vauthors=Adhikari S }}</ref> in Nepal by Alive Pharmaceutical and Ivexterm in Mexico by Valeant Pharmaceuticals International. In Southeast Asian countries, it is marketed by Delta Pharma Ltd. under the trade name Scabo 6. The formulation for rosacea treatment is sold under the brand name Soolantra.<ref name="Soolantra FDA label">{{cite web |title=Soolantra – ivermectin cream |url=https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b1d5b166-ab06-4ab5-b0c6-31126238118a |access-date=July 18, 2021 |website=DailyMed |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719061814/https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b1d5b166-ab06-4ab5-b0c6-31126238118a |url-status=live}}</ref> While in development, it was assigned the code MK-933 by Merck.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Pampiglione S, Majori G, Petrangeli G, Romi R | title = Avermectins, MK-933 and MK-936, for mosquito control | journal = Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene | volume = 79 | issue = 6 | pages = 797–799 | year = 1985 | pmid = 3832491 | doi = 10.1016/0035-9203(85)90121-X }}</ref>

==Research== ===Parasitic disease=== Ivermectin has been researched in laboratory animals, as a potential treatment for trichinosis<ref name="Ashour2019"/> and trypanosomiasis.<ref name="Udenski2012">{{ cite journal | vauthors = Udensi K | title = Effect of ivermectin on Trypanosoma brucei brucei in experimentally infected mice | journal = Journal of Vector Borne Diseases| date = September 2012 | volume = 49 | issue = 3 | pages = 143–150 | doi = 10.4103/0972-9062.213454 | doi-access = free | pmid = 23135008 }}</ref>

Ivermectin has also been tested on zebrafish infected with ''Pseudocapillaria tomentosa''.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kent ML, Watral V, Gaulke CA, Sharpton TJ | title = Further evaluation of the efficacy of emamectin benzoate for treating Pseudocapillaria tomentosa (Dujardin 1843) in zebrafish Danio rerio (Hamilton 1822) | journal = Journal of Fish Diseases | volume = 42 | issue = 10 | pages = 1351–1357 | date = October 2019 | pmid = 31309582 | pmc = 6744302 | doi = 10.1111/jfd.13057 | bibcode = 2019JFDis..42.1351K }}</ref>

===Tropical diseases=== Ivermectin is also of interest in the prevention of malaria, as it is toxic to both the malaria plasmodium itself and the mosquitos that carry it.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Chaccour C, Hammann F, Rabinovich NR | title = Ivermectin to reduce malaria transmission I. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations regarding efficacy and safety | journal = Malaria Journal | volume = 16 | issue = 1 | article-number = 161 | date = April 2017 | pmid = 28434401 | pmc = 5402169 | doi = 10.1186/s12936-017-1801-4 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Siewe Fodjo JN, Kugler M, Hotterbeekx A, Hendy A, Van Geertruyden JP, Colebunders R | title = Would ivermectin for malaria control be beneficial in onchocerciasis-endemic regions? | journal = Infectious Diseases of Poverty | volume = 8 | issue = 1 | article-number = 77 | date = August 2019 | pmid = 31439040 | pmc = 6706915 | doi = 10.1186/s40249-019-0588-7 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite journal | vauthors = Haines LR, Trett A, Rose C, García N, Sterkel M, McGuinness D, Regnault C, Barrett MP, Leroy D, Burrows JN, Biagini G, Ranganath LR, Aljayyoussi G, Acosta-Serrano Á | title = ''Anopheles'' mosquito survival and pharmacokinetic modeling show the mosquitocidal activity of nitisinone | journal = Science Translational Medicine | volume = 17 | issue = 791 | article-number = eadr4827 | date = March 2025 | pmid = 40138457 | doi = 10.1126/scitranslmed.adr4827 }}</ref> The performance of ivermectin's mosquitocidal efficacy was also favourably tested in ''An. gambiae'' mosquitoes although it was less effective killing older mosquitoes that are more likely to be transmitting the malaria parasite.<ref name="auto"/> A direct effect on malaria parasites could not be shown in an experimental infection of volunteers with ''Plasmodium falciparum''.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Metzger WG, Theurer A, Pfleiderer A, Molnar Z, Maihöfer-Braatting D, Bissinger AL, Sulyok Z, Köhler C, Egger-Adam D, Lalremruata A, Esen M, Lee Sim K, Hoffman S, Rabinovich R, Chaccour C, Alonso P, Mordmüller BG, Kremsner PG | title = Ivermectin for causal malaria prophylaxis: a randomised controlled human infection trial | journal = Tropical Medicine & International Health | volume = 25 | issue = 3 | pages = 380–386 | date = March 2020 | pmid = 31808594 | doi = 10.1111/tmi.13357 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Fontinha D, Moules I, Prudêncio M | title = Repurposing Drugs to Fight Hepatic Malaria Parasites | journal = Molecules | volume = 25 | issue = 15 | page = 3409 | date = July 2020 | pmid = 32731386 | pmc = 7435416 | doi = 10.3390/molecules25153409 | doi-access = free | title-link = doi }}</ref> Use of ivermectin at higher doses necessary to control malaria is probably safe, though large clinical trials have not yet been done to definitively establish the efficacy or safety of ivermectin for prophylaxis or treatment of malaria.<ref name="de_Souza_2021">{{cite journal | vauthors = de Souza DK, Thomas R, Bradley J, Leyrat C, Boakye DA, Okebe J | title = Ivermectin treatment in humans for reducing malaria transmission | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 2021 | issue = 6 | article-number = CD013117 | date = June 2021 | pmid = 34184757 | pmc = 8240090 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD013117.pub2 | collaboration = Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group }}</ref><ref name="Safety of high-dose ivermectin: a s"/> Mass drug administration of a population with ivermectin to treat and prevent nematode infestation is effective for eliminating malaria-bearing mosquitos and thereby potentially reducing infection with residual malaria parasites.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Tizifa TA, Kabaghe AN, McCann RS, van den Berg H, Van Vugt M, Phiri KS | title = Prevention Efforts for Malaria | journal = Current Tropical Medicine Reports | volume = 5 | issue = 1 | pages = 41–50 | date = 2018 | pmid = 29629252 | pmc = 5879044 | doi = 10.1007/s40475-018-0133-y }}</ref> Whilst effective in killing malaria-bearing mosquitos, a 2021 Cochrane review found that, to date, the evidence shows no significant impact on reducing incidence of malaria transmission from the community administration of ivermectin.<ref name="de_Souza_2021" />

One alternative to ivermectin is moxidectin, which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in people with river blindness.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Milton P, Hamley JI, Walker M, Basáñez MG | title = Moxidectin: an oral treatment for human onchocerciasis | journal = Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy | volume = 18 | issue = 11 | pages = 1067–1081 | date = November 2020 | pmid = 32715787 | doi = 10.1080/14787210.2020.1792772 | doi-access = free | hdl = 10044/1/81294 | hdl-access = free }}</ref> Moxidectin has a longer half-life than ivermectin and may eventually supplant ivermectin as it is a more potent microfilaricide, but there is a need for additional clinical trials, with long-term follow-up, to assess whether moxidectin is safe and effective for treatment of nematode infection in children and women of childbearing potential.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Maheu-Giroux M, Joseph SA | title = Moxidectin for deworming: from trials to implementation | journal = The Lancet. Infectious Diseases | volume = 18 | issue = 8 | pages = 817–819 | date = August 2018 | pmid = 29858152 | doi = 10.1016/S1473-3099(18)30270-6 | s2cid = 46921091 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Boussinesq M | title = A new powerful drug to combat river blindness | journal = Lancet | volume = 392 | issue = 10154 | pages = 1170–1172 | date = October 2018 | pmid = 29361336 | doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30101-6 | doi-access = free | title-link = doi }} {{open access}}</ref>

There is tentative evidence that ivermectin kills bedbugs, as part of integrated pest management for bedbug infestations.<ref name="Crump2017"/><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ōmura S | title = A Splendid Gift from the Earth: The Origins and Impact of the Avermectins (Nobel Lecture) | journal = Angewandte Chemie | volume = 55 | issue = 35 | pages = 10190–10209 | date = August 2016 | pmid = 27435664 | doi = 10.1002/anie.201602164 | bibcode = 2016ACIE...5510190O | url = https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2015/omura/lecture/ | access-date = April 6, 2020 | archive-date = October 19, 2021 | archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2015/omura/lecture/ | url-status = live | url-access = subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Np6cCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA439 |title=Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology |vauthors=James WD, Elston D, Berger T, Neuhaus I |date=2015 |publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences |isbn=978-0-323-31969-0 |page=439 |quote=Ivermectin treatment is emerging as a potential ancillary measure. |access-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-date=June 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626152437/https://books.google.com/books?id=Np6cCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA439 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, such use may require a prolonged course of treatment which is of unclear safety.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KuM2DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA89 |title=Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies |vauthors=Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Berth-Jones J, Coulson I |date=2017 |publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences |isbn=978-0-7020-6913-0 |page=89 |access-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-date=June 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626152436/https://books.google.com/books?id=KuM2DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA89 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===NAFLD=== In 2013, ivermectin was demonstrated as a novel ligand of the farnesoid X receptor,<ref name="pmid25388537">{{cite journal | vauthors = Carotti A, Marinozzi M, Custodi C, Cerra B, Pellicciari R, Gioiello A, Macchiarulo A | title = Beyond bile acids: targeting Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) with natural and synthetic ligands | journal = Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry | volume = 14 | issue = 19 | pages = 2129–2142 | year = 2014 | pmid = 25388537 | doi = 10.2174/1568026614666141112094058 | url = https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268231666 | access-date = April 6, 2020 | archive-date = October 19, 2021 | archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268231666 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Jin L, Feng X, Rong H, Pan Z, Inaba Y, Qiu L, Zheng W, Lin S, Wang R, Wang Z, Wang S, Liu H, Li S, Xie W, Li Y | title = The antiparasitic drug ivermectin is a novel FXR ligand that regulates metabolism | journal = Nature Communications | volume = 4 | article-number = 1937 | date = 2013 | pmid = 23728580 | doi = 10.1038/ncomms2924 | bibcode = 2013NatCo...4.1937J | doi-access = free | title-link = doi }}</ref> a therapeutic target for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kim SG, Kim BK, Kim K, Fang S | title = Bile Acid Nuclear Receptor Farnesoid X Receptor: Therapeutic Target for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease | journal = Endocrinology and Metabolism | volume = 31 | issue = 4 | pages = 500–504 | date = December 2016 | pmid = 28029021 | pmc = 5195824 | doi = 10.3803/EnM.2016.31.4.500 }}</ref>

===COVID-19=== {{see|Ivermectin during the COVID-19 pandemic#Research}} During the COVID-19 pandemic, ivermectin was researched for possible utility in preventing and treating COVID-19, but no good evidence of benefit was found.<ref name="PoppReisSchießer2022"/><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Reis G, Silva EA, Silva DC, Thabane L, Milagres AC, Ferreira TS, Dos Santos CV, Campos VH, Nogueira AM, de Almeida AP, Callegari ED, Neto AD, Savassi LC, Simplicio MI, Ribeiro LB, Oliveira R, Harari O, Forrest JI, Ruton H, Sprague S, McKay P, Guo CM, Rowland-Yeo K, Guyatt GH, Boulware DR, Rayner CR, Mills EJ | title = Effect of Early Treatment with Ivermectin among Patients with Covid-19 | journal = The New England Journal of Medicine | volume = 386 | issue = 18 | pages = 1721–1731 | date = May 2022 | pmid = 35353979 | pmc = 9006771 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMoa2115869 }}</ref>

=== Oncological research === In January 2026, a perspective piece in The EMBO Journal proposed mechanistic parallels between cancer cell behavior and helminth (parasitic) infections, specifically regarding immune evasion, migration, and immune modulation. The piece suggested that because cancer cells and helminths share these biological strategies, anthelmintic drugs like ivermectin may be candidates for therapeutic repurposing. The proposed mechanism involves utilizing the drug's known antiparasitic action to disrupt oncogenic pathways and potentially trigger immunogenic responses in the host environment. While these theoretical frameworks and preclinical models identify ivermectin as a potential adjunct in cancer therapy, clinical efficacy in humans has not been established, and the research remains in the investigational phase.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Wagner M, Koyasu S | date = February 2026 | title = Cancer in disguise: a parasite within | journal = The EMBO Journal | volume = 45 | issue = 4 | pages = 1051–1059 | doi = 10.1038/s44318-025-00691-y | pmc = 12909802 | pmid = 41530388 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=A Tumor Disguised as a Parasite: An Evolutionary Perspective on Melanoma Immunology |url=https://port.lukasiewicz.gov.pl/en/a-tumor-disguised-as-a-parasite-an-evolutionary-perspective-on-melanoma-immunology/ |access-date=2026-04-23 |website=Łukasiewicz-PORT |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Veterinary use == Ivermectin is routinely used to control parasitic worms in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminant animals. These parasites normally enter the animal when it is grazing, pass the bowel, and set and mature in the intestines, after which they produce eggs that leave the animal via its droppings and can infest new pastures. Ivermectin is only effective in killing some of these parasites, because of an increase in anthelmintic resistance.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kaplan RM, Vidyashankar AN | title = An inconvenient truth: global worming and anthelmintic resistance | journal = Veterinary Parasitology | volume = 186 | issue = 1–2 | pages = 70–78 | date = May 2012 | pmid = 22154968 | doi = 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.11.048 }}</ref> This resistance has arisen from the persistent use of the same anthelmintic drugs for the past 40 years.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Geurden T, Chartier C, Fanke J, di Regalbono AF, Traversa D, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Demeler J, Vanimisetti HB, Bartram DJ, Denwood MJ | title = Anthelmintic resistance to ivermectin and moxidectin in gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle in Europe | journal = International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance | volume = 5 | issue = 3 | pages = 163–171 | date = December 2015 | pmid = 26448902 | pmc = 4572401 | doi = 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2015.08.001 | doi-access = free | title-link = doi }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Peña-Espinoza M, Thamsborg SM, Denwood MJ, Drag M, Hansen TV, Jensen VF, Enemark HL | title = Efficacy of ivermectin against gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle in Denmark evaluated by different methods for analysis of faecal egg count reduction | journal = International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance | volume = 6 | issue = 3 | pages = 241–250 | date = December 2016 | pmid = 27835769 | pmc = 5107639 | doi = 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2016.10.004 | doi-access = free | title-link = doi }}</ref> Resistance to ivermectin has also been reported in cattle tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) populations from the Brazilian Amazon, including resistant populations identified in western Pará.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Peleja PL, Sousa AB, Bianchi D, Klafke GM, Minervino AH | date = May 2026 | title = Susceptibility of Rhipicephalus microplus tick populations from western Pará to different acaricides | journal = Parasitology International | volume = 114 | article-number = 103296 | doi = 10.1016/j.parint.2026.103296 | pmid = 42107594 }}</ref> Additionally, the use of Ivermectin for livestock has a profound impact on dung beetles, such as ''T. lusitanicus'', as it can lead to acute toxicity within these insects.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Verdú JR, Cortez V, Ortiz AJ, Lumaret JP, Lobo JM, Sánchez-Piñero F | title = Biomagnification and body distribution of ivermectin in dung beetles | journal = Scientific Reports | volume = 10 | issue = 1 | article-number = 9073 | date = June 2020 | pmid = 32493927 | doi = 10.1038/s41598-020-66063-0 | pmc = 7270108 | bibcode = 2020NatSR..10.9073V | hdl = 10481/63204 | hdl-access = free }}</ref>

In dogs, ivermectin is routinely used as prophylaxis against heartworm.<ref>{{cite book |vauthors=Papich MG |date=January 1, 2016 | title = Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs | edition = Fourth |publisher=W.B. Saunders |isbn=978-0-323-24485-5 |veditors=Papich MG |pages=420–23 |chapter=Ivermectin |doi=10.1016/B978-0-323-24485-5.00323-5 }}</ref> Dogs with defects in the P-glycoprotein gene (''MDR1''), often collie-like herding dogs, can be severely poisoned by ivermectin. The mnemonic "white feet, don't treat" refers to Scotch collies that are vulnerable to ivermectin.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Dowling P | title = Pharmacogenetics: it's not just about ivermectin in collies | journal = The Canadian Veterinary Journal | volume = 47 | issue = 12 | pages = 1165–1168 | date = December 2006 | pmid = 17217086 | pmc = 1636591 }}</ref> Some other dog breeds (especially the Rough Collie, the Smooth Collie, the Shetland Sheepdog, and the Australian Shepherd), also have a high incidence of mutation within the ''MDR1'' gene (coding for P-glycoprotein) and are sensitive to the toxic effects of ivermectin.<ref>{{cite web |title=MDR1 FAQs |url=http://www.ashgi.org/articles/mdr1.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213125320/http://www.ashgi.org/articles/mdr1.htm |archive-date=December 13, 2007 |publisher=Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute, Inc. | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Multidrug Sensitivity in Dogs |url=http://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/vcpl-home |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623212433/http://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/vcpl-home |archive-date=June 23, 2015 |publisher=Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine | url-status = live }}</ref> For dogs, the insecticide spinosad may have the effect of increasing the toxicity of ivermectin.<ref>{{cite web |title=Comfortis- spinosad tablet, chewable |url=https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=9e5580d1-d8ea-4e8d-9156-1741b13ba8c9 |access-date=August 14, 2021 |website=DailyMed |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815053323/https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=9e5580d1-d8ea-4e8d-9156-1741b13ba8c9 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Comfortis and ivermectin interaction Safety Warning Notification |url=https://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/newsevents/cvmupdates/ucm047942.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829064135/https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm047942.htm |archive-date=August 29, 2009 |publisher=U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) }}</ref>

A 0.01% ivermectin topical preparation for treating ear mites in cats is available.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 11, 2016 |title=Acarexx |url=https://www.bi-vetmedica.com/species/pet/products/acarexx.html |publisher=Boehringer Ingelheim |access-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/https://www.bi-vetmedica.com/species/pet/products/acarexx.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Clinical evidence suggests 7-week-old kittens are susceptible to ivermectin toxicity.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Frischke H, Hunt L | title = Alberta. Suspected ivermectin toxicity in kittens | journal = The Canadian Veterinary Journal | volume = 32 | issue = 4 | page = 245 | date = April 1991 | pmid = 17423775 | pmc = 1481314 }}</ref>

Ivermectin is sometimes used as an acaricide in reptiles, both by injection and as a diluted spray. While this works well in some cases, care must be taken, as several species of reptiles are very sensitive to ivermectin. Use in turtles is particularly contraindicated.<ref>{{cite book |title=Understanding reptile parasites: from the experts at Advanced Vivarium Systems |vauthors=Klingenberg R |publisher=Advanced Vivarium Systems |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-882770-90-8 |location=Irvine, Calif}}</ref>

A characteristic of the antinematodal action of ivermectin is its potency: for instance, to combat ''Dirofilaria immitis'' in dogs, ivermectin is effective at 0.001 milligram per kilogram of body weight when administered orally.<ref name="Ivermectin: a potent new antiparasi"/>

== Notes == {{reflist|group=note}} {{notelist}}

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == {{Commons category}} * {{cite web |title=Ivermectin Topical |url=https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a613011.html| website=MedlinePlus}} * {{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/rise-and-fall-of-coronavirus-miracle-cure-ivermectin/| title=The rise and fall of a coronavirus 'miracle cure'| date = March 30, 2021}}

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