How to use ivermectin

Many people use ivermectin as a treatment for lice and scabies. It is often sold in animal health stores or online as a dip, lotion, liquid, oral solution or injectable product. To use ivermectin on yourself, mix it with water and apply it directly to dry skin; rinse off after about 10 minutes. If using it for lice or scabies, get someone else—ideally someone who has not had direct contact with you—to apply it. You'll probably need multiple treatments at two-week intervals in order to kill any eggs that may have been laid during your first treatment.

Can you take other drugs while taking ivermectin?

If you are taking any other medicines, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, you should tell your doctor before taking ivermectin. Ivermectin can affect how some other drugs work. Similarly, some drugs can also interact with ivermectin which may result in an enhanced or reduced effect from your treatment. You may need different amounts of your medicine or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor will advise you on how to take ivermectin if you're already taking other medications. If you have not already spoken to a healthcare professional about your condition, do so before starting ivermectin as you could have conditions that mean it's not suitable for you.

Tips on using this drug

There are four primary areas where side effects can occur when using ivermectin. The first is your respiratory system, as a small number of patients report difficulty breathing shortly after taking it. You may need to rest or put your head down if you find yourself experiencing breathlessness while under its influence. The second potential side effect is gastrointestinal distress: nausea, vomiting and diarrhea have all been reported by patients as occurring in response to treatment with ivermectin. It’s best not to take more than a day’s worth of medication at once—to spread out both your dosages and their possible side effects—and avoid taking it alongside other drugs that cause nausea, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory pain relievers like ibuprofen