Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. Swallow the tablet with water.

To help clear up your infection, take this medicine exactly as directed. Your doctor may want you to take another dose every 3 to 12 months.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For river blindness:
      • Adults and children weighing 15 kilograms (kg) or more—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 150 micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight taken as a single dose. The treatment may be repeated every 3 to 12 months. Each tablet contains 3 milligrams (mg) of ivermectin.
        • Weighing 85 kg or more—150 mcg/kg of body weight taken as a single dose.
        • Weighing 65 to 84 kg—4 tablets taken as a single dose.
        • Weighing 45 to 64 kg—3 tablets taken as a single dose.
        • Weighing 26 to 44 kg—2 tablets taken as a single dose.
        • Weighing 15 to 25 kg—1 tablet taken as a single dose.
      • Children weighing less than 15 kg—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For threadworms:
      • Adults and children weighing 15 kilograms (kg) or more—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 200 micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight taken as a single dose. Each tablet contains 3 milligrams (mg) of ivermectin.
        • Weighing 80 kg or more—200 mcg/kg of body weight taken as a single dose.
        • Weighing 66 to 79 kg—5 tablets taken as a single dose.
        • Weighing 51 to 65 kg—4 tablets taken as a single dose.
        • Weighing 36 to 50 kg—3 tablets taken as a single dose.
        • Weighing 25 to 35 kg—2 tablets taken as a single dose.
        • Weighing 15 to 24 kg—1 tablet taken as a single dose.
      • Children weighing less than 15 kg—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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