What is Ivermectin 3 mg?

Ivermectin 3 mg tablets are an antiparasitic treatment used to treat scabies. They may be used when oral treatment is considered appropriate, including for people in whom permethrin cream is not suitable, for example because of certain skin conditions, allergy, intolerance, difficulty applying a full-body topical treatment, or where topical treatment has not been practical or effective enough.

This product page refers to ivermectin 3 mg tablets supplied on a private prescription following an online consultation.

How does Ivermectin work?

Ivermectin works by affecting the nervous system of the scabies mite, leading to paralysis and death of the parasite. This helps clear the infestation. It does not directly soothe itching straight away, and itching can continue for some time after successful treatment.

What is Ivermectin 3 mg used for on this page?

On this product page, ivermectin 3 mg tablets are used specifically for:

– Scabies

– Situations where oral treatment is appropriate

– People for whom permethrin cream is not suitable or not practical, such as certain skin conditions, allergy or intolerance to topical treatment

– Situations where applying full-body cream treatment is difficult or has not worked well enough

It is not used here for:

– Undiagnosed itching without a clear scabies diagnosis

– Other skin rashes that are not scabies

– Children 

– Routine use without proper assessment of symptoms, contacts and suitability

Your prescriber will confirm ivermectin is appropriate based on your symptoms, diagnosis, body weight, medical history and any other medicines you are using.

Who may be suitable for Ivermectin 3 mg?

You may be suitable if:

– You have scabies confirmed clinically or strongly suspected on assessment

– Oral treatment is considered appropriate

– You are unable to use permethrin cream, or permethrin is not suitable or practical for you

– You weigh at least 15 kg

– You are able to follow the treatment and hygiene advice carefully

Your prescriber will consider:

– Whether your symptoms and history fit scabies

– Whether there are affected household members or close contacts

– Your body weight, because the dose is based on weight

– Whether this is ordinary scabies or a more severe form such as crusted scabies

– Any other medicines or health conditions you have

before deciding if ivermectin is suitable for you.

Who should not use Ivermectin 3 mg or needs medical advice first?

Do not use without medical advice if you:

– Are allergic to ivermectin or any of the ingredients in the tablets

– Weigh under 15 kg

– Are pregnant without checking suitability first

– Are not sure whether the rash is actually scabies

– Have severe or widespread skin disease needing urgent face-to-face assessment

Use with caution and seek prescriber advice if you:

– Are breastfeeding

– Have liver problems

– Have a neurological condition

– Are immunocompromised

– Have crusted scabies, as you may need repeat doses and additional topical treatment

– Are taking other medicines that may affect the central nervous system or interact in other ways

How do I take Ivermectin 3 mg?

Your prescriber will confirm the exact directions. The dose is based on body weight. A commonly used dosing approach is:

– 200 micrograms per kilogram of body weight as a single dose

– A second dose is often given 7 days later

Practical advice:

– The tablets are taken by mouth with water

– They are usually taken on an empty stomach

– No food should usually be taken for about 2 hours before or 2 hours after the dose

– All close household or sexual contacts often need treatment at the same time to reduce reinfestation

– Bedding, clothing and towels should be managed as advised to reduce the risk of spread and reinfestation

If your symptoms get worse, if new lesions keep appearing, or if you become more unwell, seek medical advice.

General self-care advice

– Treat close contacts at the same time if advised

– Wash clothing, bedding and towels used recently according to the instructions given

– Keep fingernails short and clean

– Avoid close skin-to-skin contact until treatment has been completed as advised

– Itching can continue for several weeks even after successful treatment

– If symptoms persist beyond the expected recovery period, further review may be needed

Side effects and when to get help

Common side effects can include headache, dizziness, stomach upset, diarrhoea and nausea. These are often mild.

Seek medical advice urgently if you develop severe rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, confusion, seizures, or any severe unexpected reaction after taking the medicine.

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