Ivermectin Dosage for Humans: What You Need to Know

11/27/2025

What is Ivermectin intended for?

Ivermectin contains Stromectol as an active ingredient, which is categorized under the drug class known as anthelmintics.  It is a prescription drug used to treat specific parasitic infections. Your medic will determine whether you need it once or on a routine basis, based on your condition. These are infections addressed by Ivermectin in adults and specific children: 

• Onchocerciasis, which is also known as river blindness.

• Strongyloidiasis of the intestinal tract 

This medication is accessible in two other forms: cream and lotion. Ivermectin cream is used to treat rosacea, while ivermectin lotion is effective against head lice. In addition, ivermectin tablets have also been used off-label for scabies and other parasites. The FDA has not approved this medication for treating or preventing COVID-19 infections. Therefore, please collaborate with your medic for other apt treatments. 

Mechanism of Ivermectin oral tablets: 

Ivermectin tablets function by paralyzing the muscles of parasites, which, as a result, causes them to die. It kicks in its mechanism of action by attaching to glutamate-gated chloride channels, helping to paralyze parasites. This medication doesn’t affect mammals since it can’t enter the mammal’s nervous system, where GluCl channels are present. Ivermectin tablets are also believed to support the human immune response in overcoming and killing immature worms. It is thought that ivermectin tablets may inhibit the parasite's ability to secrete proteins that assist it in evading the host’s natural immune defences.

Let’s break down the ivermectin dosage chart for humans:

Ivermectin dosage is determined by the doctors based on a broad range of factors, especially the patient’s body weight. To address most parasitic infections, the typical dosage ranges from 150 to 200 micrograms/mcg per kilogram/kg. Ivermectin is accessible in multiple forms, ranging from 3 mg to 12 mg oral tablets. The dose will depend heavily on your weight and the strengths you are prescribed. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor to find the exact dosage based on your conditions and weight.

This medication is usually prescribed as a single oral dose treatment. However, in some cases, additional doses may be required to address the condition, depending on the severity of the infection. Taking on an empty stomach will ensure the proper and maximum absorption of the medication in the body.

Dosage for Strongyloidasis:

A single dosage is usually recommended for adults with Strongyloidasis. The amount you need to take will depend on your body weight. You may be prescribed a dosage of 200 mcg per kg of body weight. To understand better, check with the example given below:

Number of tablets ( 3mg) as per weight for Strongyloidasis:

• 1 tablet of 3 mg: 15 to 24 kg

• 2 tablets of 3 mg: 25 to 35 kg

• 3 tablets of 3 mg: 36 to 50 kg  

Dosage for onchocerciasis:

The human ivermectin dosage for onchocerciasis is determined in the same manner as for Strongyloidasis. How much you weigh in kg will help to find the precise and safe dosage for you. For this condition, your healthcare provider may prescribe a dosage of 150 mcg per kg of weight. Have a look through Ivermectin dosage for humans to treat onchocerciasis:

Number of tablets (3 mg) as per weight for onchocerciasis:

• 1 tablet of 3 mg: 15 to 25 kg

• 2 tablets of 3 mg: 26 to 44 kg

• 3 tablets of 3 mg: 45 to 64 kg 

Dosage of Ivermectin in children for onchocerciasis and Strongyloidasis: 

This medication is prescribed to children for onchocerciasis and Strongyloidasis only when they weigh 15 kg or above. The dosage for children is the same as that for adults. However, you shouldn't use your own calculations to determine the dosage; seek the help of a certified professional. 

Side effects associated with Ivermectin oral tablets:

Side effects of Ivermectin (Stromecol) are bifurcated into two broad categories based on severity: common and serious. Common side effects of this medication are considered to be mild in nature and don’t seem to be a cause for concern. They usually wear off on their own without any medical intervention. If they worsen, multiply, or exacerbate, please get in touch with your healthcare provider. In contrast, serious side effects are rare and occur only in rare instances. Therefore, if you come across any serious side effects mentioned below, it is paramount to inform your doctor about the same.

Common side effects

• Itching

• Dizziness

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Fluid retention

• Fast heartbeat

Serious side effects 

Brain or central nervous system problems: Sluggishness or decreased energy, reduced responses, sleepiness, confusion, or disorientation 

Severe allergic reactions: Breathing problems or wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, trouble swallowing or throat tightness, racing heart, fever or general ill feeling, swollen lymph nodes, itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting, stomach cramps

How should you take Ivermectin?

Before you start the treatment, make sure to have a look through the directions mentioned below: 

• You shouldn’t take it unless it’s been prescribed to you by a certified healthcare provider after a careful analysis of your health.

• Sharing this medication with other people is prohibited, no matter how identical their symptoms are. Taking Ivermectin without consulting a doctor can bring an array of complications and may exacerbate existing health conditions.

• It must be kept out of the reach of children, pets, and addicts to prevent unwanted fallouts. In addition to this, you should store these tablets below 30°F.

• Make sure not to miss any follow-up appointments. This will help your doctor check whether the infection has gone or not.

• The consumption of Ivermectin may interfere with your alertness and coordination. Hence, you should avoid engaging in activities that may require the same, such as driving and operating heavy machinery. You should go for such activities only when you feel completely okay.

• It is recommended to take this meditation on an empty stomach. Taking it along with food may elevate the amount of medication your system absorbs.

• It is not known how alcohol affects Ivermectin. However, it may increase the risk of sleepiness and dizziness if used with Ivermectin.

How should you use Ivermectin for maximum results?

It is important to abide by the preventive measures laid down to get the maximum results during the treatment. These warnings and precautions reduce the risk of experiencing unwanted complications.

Allergies to ingredients:

If you seem to have a known allergy to any of Ivermectin’s active or inactive ingredients, please let your doctor know about it. Ivermectin shouldn’t be consumed by people allergic to it due to the increased risk of complications, including allergic reactions. You may also be prescribed other similar treatments to prevent such unwanted outcomes. 

Medical history and current treatments:

It is pivotal to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you may be taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products, to minimize the risk of drug interaction. Moreover, update your medic on the conditions you have or have had in the past. This will help your medic determine the safety of this drug for you. People living with a weak immune system, who have AIDS or HIV infection, or who are being treated for intestinal strongyloidiasis, may need additional treatments. 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

The safety of Ivermectin has not been established in pregnant women. Therefore, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, let your healthcare provider know about it. Besides, this medication may pass into the infant via breastfeeding. Therefore, please tell your doctor beforehand if you are a lactating mother.

The takeaway:

Ivermectin was discovered in the 1970s by Irish parasitologist William C. Campbell and Japanese microbiologist Satoshi Ōmura. They were even jointly awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. This medication was initially developed as a veterinary drug to address a range of external and internal parasites in livestock and companion animals. It was commercialized in 1981 under the brand name Ivomec. It also became available for humans in 1987 due to its potential to address human parasitic infections, such as onchocerciasis. It should be used as directed by the doctor to get the maximum results. You have to follow the dosage your doctor has prescribed based on your weight for your specific condition. The ivermectin dosage usually varies from one person to another for a variety of reasons, such as weight. You can buy Ivermectin from Day Night Drugs to address parasitic infections.