Ivermectin Medications

Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic belonging to the macrocyclic lactone class. It is widely prescribed for infections such as onchocerciasis (river blindness), strongyloidiasis, scabies, and certain types of lice. The drug works by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels in parasites, causing uncontrolled influx of chloride ions, paralysis, and death of the organism. In humans, ivermectin is available as a generic tablet and as several branded formulations, all of which can be purchased through our online pharmacy. While the medication has attracted interest for off-label indications, regulatory agencies-including the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA)-have not authorized its use for conditions such as COVID-19. Understanding ivermectin’s mechanism, approved uses, dosing options, and safety considerations helps patients make informed choices when obtaining the drug online or at a local pharmacy.

What is Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is classified as an antiparasitic macrocyclic lactone. The HSA first approved it in Singapore in 1993 for the treatment of onchocerciasis and later expanded the indication to include strongyloidiasis, scabies, and pediculosis. The United States FDA granted approval in 1996 for the same indications, and the European Medicines Agency followed suit in 1999.

At the molecular level, ivermectin binds selectively to glutamate-gated chloride channels that are abundant in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells. Activation of these channels hyperpolarizes the cell membrane, leading to paralysis and death of the parasite. In addition, the drug can inhibit the importin α/β-mediated nuclear transport pathway, a mechanism investigated in laboratory studies of viral replication.

Brand names you may recognise include Stromectol, Mectizan, and Scabitrim, while generic tablets of 3 mg and 6 mg are commonly stocked by worldwide. All of these formulations are listed in our pharmacy service, you can obtain the appropriate product for your condition.

How Ivermectin Works

Mechanism of Action

Ivermectin acts as an agonist of glutamate-gated chloride channels in parasites. When the drug binds, the channel opens, allowing chloride ions to flow into the cell. The resulting hyperpolarization disables normal nerve transmission, immobilizing the parasite. In mammals, these channels are either absent or located behind the blood-brain barrier, which limits ivermectin’s toxic effect at therapeutic doses.

Therapeutic Effects

Paralysis of the parasite translates into clinical benefits: the organism can no longer migrate through tissues, reproduce, or cause inflammation. In onchocerciasis, microfilariae are cleared from the skin and eyes, reducing ocular lesions and skin itching. In scabies, the mite’s inability to attach to the epidermis leads to rapid resolution of burrows and pruritus.

Onset and Duration

Oral ivermectin reaches peak plasma concentrations within 4-5 hours after ingestion. For most parasitic infections, clinical improvement is observable within 24-48 hours, although complete eradication-especially of adult worms-may require repeat dosing after 7-10 days. The drug’s half-life is approximately 18 hours, but its antiparasitic effect persists because the parasite remains incapacitated for several days after exposure.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

• Onchocerciasis (river blindness): Single dose of 150 µg/kg, administered annually.
• Strongyloidiasis: 200 µg/kg daily for 1-2 days, or a single 200 µg/kg dose in immunocompetent adults.
• Scabies: 200 µg/kg orally, repeated after 1-2 weeks for crusted scabies.
• Pediculosis (head lice): 200 µg/kg single dose; alternative topical formulations exist.

These approvals are supported by the HSA, FDA, and EMA, based on robust phase III trial data demonstrating high cure rates (≥90 % for onchocerciasis) and favorable safety profiles.

Off-Label Uses

Ivermectin has been investigated for viral infections, including COVID-19, dengue, and Zika, primarily in vitro and in small-scale clinical studies. Despite early enthusiasm, large randomized trials published in The New England Journal of Medicine and Lancet failed to show consistent clinical benefit for COVID-19, and health authorities worldwide have not endorsed this indication. Consequently, its use for viral diseases remains off-label and should be considered experimental.

Clinical Efficacy

In the pivotal Lancet 2016 trial for onchocerciasis, a single 150 µg/kg dose achieved a 97 % reduction in microfilarial load after six months. For strongyloidiasis, a meta-analysis in Clinical Infectious Diseases reported a 98 % cure rate with the standard two-day regimen. Scabies trials indicate that a single 200 µg/kg dose resolves lesions in 84 % of patients within one week, with a second dose improving outcomes for severe disease.

Buying Ivermectin from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Access to ivermectin can be limited by supply chain constraints or the need for discreet delivery. Our online pharmacy bridges that gap, offering a secure, confidential platform that ships worldwide, including Singapore.

Brand Names and Generic Options

• Stromectol® (150 µg tablets) - widely recognised, premium pricing.
• Mectizan® - donation program for onchocerciasis, limited availability.
• Scabitrim® - scabies-focused formulation.

Generic 3 mg and 6 mg tablets are typically 30-50 % cheaper, delivering the same therapeutic exposure when dosed per kilogram of body weight.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that operate under strict regulatory frameworks and comply with WHO Good Manufacturing Practice standards. Each batch is verified for potency and purity before dispatch.

Pricing & Access

Our platform offers competitive pricing, with generic packs starting at SGD 12 for a 12-tablet supply. Returning customers enjoy a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, reducing long-term treatment costs.

Discreet Delivery

Express shipping arrives in approximately seven days, while standard delivery takes up to three weeks. Packages are sealed in unmarked boxes, ensuring privacy from the point of order to doorstep receipt.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

• Tablets: 3 mg and 6 mg film-coated.
• Oral Solution: 1 mg/mL, for patients with swallowing difficulties.

Typical Dosing Ranges

• Onchocerciasis: 150 µg/kg (≈.2 mg/kg) as a single oral dose.
• Strongyloidiasis: 200 µg/kg (≈.25 mg/kg) once daily for 1-2 days.
• Scabies: 200 µg/kg (≈.25 mg/kg) orally; repeat after 7-14 days for crusted cases.

These examples reflect common clinical practice; the exact regimen should be individualized by a qualified healthcare provider.

Administration Guidelines

Take ivermectin on an empty stomach with water to maximize absorption; high-fat meals can increase bioavailability by up to 30 %. For the oral solution, use the supplied calibrated dropper. Avoid concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) without medical supervision, as they may raise plasma concentrations.

A clinician must confirm the appropriate dose, timing, and need for repeat administration based on your specific health profile.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: reported in 10-15 % of patients.
• Dizziness or light-headedness: 8-12 % incidence.
• Pruritus (itching): often a reaction to dying parasites, seen in 5-10 %.
• Diarrhea: occurs in up to 7 % of treated individuals.
• Fatigue: 4-6 % of cases.

These events are typically mild and resolve without intervention.

Serious Adverse Events

Rare neurotoxic reactions-such as seizures, ataxia, or encephalopathy-have been documented, especially when dosing exceeds recommended limits or in patients with compromised blood-brain barriers. Immediate medical attention is required if severe headache, visual disturbances, or sudden weakness develop.

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to ivermectin or any excipient.
• Use of concomitant medications that strongly inhibit CYP3A4 in high doses (e.g., ritonavir) without dose adjustment.
• Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) should avoid ivermectin due to reduced clearance.

Drug Interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (oconazole, erythromycin) may increase ivermectin levels.
• Warfarin: occasional reports of increased INR; monitor coagulation parameters.
• P-glycoprotein substrates (digoxin) may experience altered absorption.

Special Populations

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: animal studies show no teratogenicity, but human data are limited; use only if benefit outweighs risk.
• Elderly: renal and hepatic function decline may necessitate dose reduction.
• Renal impairment: mild to moderate impairment does not require adjustment; severe cases (eGFR < 30 mL/min) lack robust data.
• Pediatric use: approved for children ≥15 kg; dosing is weight-based and must be calculated precisely.

Professional evaluation is essential to balance therapeutic benefits against these considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between ivermectin and albendazole? Ivermectin targets glutamate-gated chloride channels, whereas albendazole inhibits microtubule polymerization in parasites. Their spectra differ: ivermectin excels against ectoparasites and filarial worms, while albendazole is preferred for nematodes like hookworm.

• How long does ivermectin take to work for scabies? Most patients notice a reduction in itching within 24-48 hours, with visible clearance of lesions after 7-10 days. A second dose may be required for crusted scabies.

• Is ivermectin safe for long-term use? Safety data support intermittent dosing for endemic infections (e.g., annual administration for onchocerciasis). Continuous daily use is not recommended because cumulative neurotoxicity risk increases.

• What foods should I avoid when taking ivermectin? High-fat meals can raise drug exposure; taking the tablet with a light snack or on an empty stomach provides more predictable absorption.

• Can I take ivermectin with my blood thinner? Ivermectin may potentiate the effect of warfarin, raising INR values. If you use anticoagulants, your clinician should monitor clotting parameters closely.

• What should I do if I develop severe dizziness after a dose? Severe dizziness may signal early neurotoxicity. Stop the medication and seek immediate medical evaluation, especially if accompanied by visual changes or loss of coordination.

• Is the oral solution as effective as tablets? The solution provides equivalent systemic exposure when dosed correctly, making it a viable option for patients with swallowing difficulties.

• Why is ivermectin not approved for COVID-19 in Singapore? Large-scale clinical trials have not demonstrated a consistent therapeutic benefit, and the HSA aligns its approvals with evidence-based outcomes. Off-label use therefore remains experimental.

• What information should I provide my doctor when discussing ivermectin?

  • Complete list of current prescription and over-the-counter medications, including supplements.
  • History of liver or kidney disease, neurological disorders, and any known drug allergies.
  • Reason for seeking treatment, prior antiparasitic therapies, and any recent travel to endemic regions.

Disclaimer

The information provided about ivermectin is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider can individual history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing ivermectin for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing ivermectin.

External Resources about Ivermectin

• Ivermectin Overview - Active Ingredient - RxReasoner
• Ivermectin - Wikipedia
• Compounded Preparation Monograph
• Attachment 1. Product Information for Ivermectin