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Drug Name Doses Per Item Go Pharmacy
Generic Ivermectin (Stromectol) 3-12 mg $1.75 Visit Pharmacy

Stromectol (Ivermectin) is a prescription antiparasitic medication, trusted globally for its broad activity and excellent safety in treating various parasitic infections in humans. As the original brand-name form of ivermectin, Stromectol remains a gold standard for scabies, strongyloidiasis, onchocerciasis, and select off-label uses. This expert-written, unique guide details everything you need for safe Stromectol use and legal online access-from dosing, indications, and precautions, to pricing, comparison, and the latest research.

Product Dosage Forms Typical Price (20 tablets) Where To Buy
Stromectol (brand) 3 mg tablets $80-$180 Certified Online Pharmacy, Telemedicine
Ivermectin (generic) 3 mg, 6 mg, 12 mg tablets $28-$72 Online Pharmacy, Telemedicine

What Is Stromectol? Brand, History & Global Role

Stromectol is the original brand of ivermectin for human use, developed by Merck and launched in the late 1980s. Ivermectin revolutionized the treatment of parasitic diseases worldwide, earning the Nobel Prize in 2015 for its impact on millions. Stromectol is now prescribed in over 100 countries and is a first-line therapy for a variety of infestations and neglected tropical diseases.

Key Facts:
  • Stromectol (ivermectin) is WHO Essential Medicine
  • Used for river blindness (onchocerciasis), scabies, strongyloidiasis, and more
  • Over 4 billion doses of ivermectin distributed since the 1980s

How Stromectol Works: Mechanism & Clinical Advantages

Stromectol binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nerve and muscle cells of parasites, causing paralysis and death. It’s highly selective for parasites, with minimal effects on humans at prescribed doses thanks to the blood-brain barrier.

  • Single-dose cures or short courses are possible for many indications
  • Active against a wide range of nematodes and arthropods
  • Low toxicity when used as directed
Modern research: Ivermectin is being studied for new applications, but its only proven use is for specific parasitic diseases.

Indications: FDA-Approved & Off-Label Uses

Stromectol is FDA-approved for:

  • Strongyloidiasis (threadworm of the intestines)
  • Onchocerciasis (river blindness)

Globally and off-label, Stromectol is also used for:

  • Scabies (including crusted/resistant scabies, outbreaks in nursing homes or institutions)
  • Head lice (when topical treatment fails)
  • Lymphatic filariasis (often as mass drug administration)
  • Other nematode infections: cutaneous larva migrans, gnathostomiasis, trichuriasis, ascariasis (off-label)
  • Rosacea (topical form only)
Condition Evidence Typical Dose Notes
Strongyloidiasis High 200 mcg/kg, single dose Repeat after 2 weeks if needed
Scabies High 200 mcg/kg, repeat in 7-14 days Combine with topical for severe/crusted
Onchocerciasis High 150 mcg/kg, single dose yearly Community eradication programs
Head lice Moderate 200 mcg/kg, repeat in 7 days For resistant/recurrent cases

Dosing, Duration, and Administration

Stromectol tablets are typically 3 mg each. Dosing is weight-based (kg), taken on an empty stomach with water.

  • Strongyloidiasis: 200 mcg/kg orally, once; repeat in 2 weeks if needed
  • Scabies: 200 mcg/kg orally, 2 doses 7-14 days apart; severe cases may need 3-4 doses
  • Onchocerciasis: 150 mcg/kg orally, once a year for 10-15 years

Weight example: For a 70 kg adult, the dose is 14 mg (approx. 5 tablets of 3 mg each).

Weight (kg) Total Dose (mg) Number of 3 mg Tablets
40 8 3
60 12 4
80 16 6

Note: Dosing for children and elderly may require adjustment. Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.

Special Populations: Children, Elderly, Pregnancy

  • Children: Approved for >15 kg (33 lbs); under 15 kg only with specialist advice
  • Elderly: Generally well-tolerated; monitor for dehydration or frailty
  • Pregnancy: Animal studies suggest risk; not recommended in pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
  • Breastfeeding: Avoid for 7 days after a dose
  • Liver/kidney disease: Use with caution, consult a physician

Side Effects, Interactions & Minimizing Risks

  • Common: Nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, mild rash, itching
  • Mazzotti reaction: Fever, rash, swollen nodes, hypotension (mainly in onchocerciasis, due to parasite die-off)
  • Rare: Confusion, low blood pressure, vision changes, severe skin reaction (extremely rare)
Side Effect Frequency Management
Nausea, diarrhea 10-20% Usually mild, self-limited
Itching, mild rash 5-10% Antihistamines
Mazzotti reaction 2-5% Supportive care, steroids if severe
Severe allergy <0.1% Emergency care
Never use veterinary ivermectin for human treatment! Veterinary formulations are not tested for safety, may be toxic or contaminated, and are illegal for self-use.

Drug Interactions: Caution with warfarin (bleeding risk), immunosuppressants, CNS depressants. Consult your healthcare provider if taking multiple medications.

Stromectol vs Generics & Alternatives

Drug Form Strengths Price (20 tabs) Quality Notes
Stromectol (brand) Tablet 3 mg $80-$180 Gold-standard, Merck Original, globally recognized
Ivermectin (generic) Tablet 3, 6, 12 mg $28-$72 Varies Equivalent if approved by FDA/EMA
Permethrin (topical) Cream/lotion 1-5% $10-$30 High First-line for simple scabies/lice

Tip: Certified generics are clinically equivalent but Stromectol remains preferred for reliability and regulatory oversight.

Buying Stromectol Online: Legal & Practical Steps

  1. Consult a licensed healthcare provider for evaluation and prescription (telemedicine allowed in most countries).
  2. Choose a certified online pharmacy (NABP/LegitScript for US, national equivalents for EU/UK/AU).
  3. Upload prescription, verify ID if required.
  4. Check product labeling: human-labeled, correct strength, valid expiry, real manufacturer (Merck).
  5. Order with secure payment and tracked shipping. Save all receipts and order confirmation.
  6. Avoid sites selling “no prescription” or “veterinary” Stromectol-these are illegal and unsafe.
Counterfeit Stromectol is a global problem: Always buy from trusted, regulated sources. Counterfeits may be ineffective or harmful.

Legal Status: US, UK, EU, Australia, India

Country/Region Status Rx Required? OTC? Online Pharmacy Rules
USA Rx only Yes No NABP/LegitScript only
Canada Rx only Yes No Licensed pharmacy
UK/EU Rx only Yes No MHRA, EMA, national license
India OTC but Rx preferred No Yes Varies in quality
Australia/NZ Rx only Yes No Licensed pharmacy

Summary: Stromectol is prescription-only in most developed countries. Only buy with a valid prescription from certified pharmacies.

FAQ: Stromectol – Expert Answers

  • How fast does Stromectol work?
    Most patients see improvement in 24-72 hours for scabies/lice, and within days for intestinal worms.
  • Is one dose enough?
    Sometimes. Many conditions require 2+ doses (e.g., scabies: repeat in 7-14 days).
  • Can I take Stromectol for COVID-19?
    Stromectol is not FDA/WHO-approved for COVID-19. Do not use it except as part of an approved clinical trial.
  • Is Stromectol safe for kids?
    Yes, if over 15 kg. Under 15 kg: use only with specialist advice.
  • Can I split tablets?
    Stromectol 3 mg tablets can be split, but only do so under medical guidance for proper dosing.
  • Is it safe with other medicines?
    Generally yes, but check for interactions with blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or sedatives.
  • Can I buy Stromectol online without a prescription?
    Not legally or safely. Always get a real prescription from a doctor.

Future Research & Directions

  • New formulations and fixed-dose combinations for easier dosing
  • Expanded use in global health initiatives (mass drug administration)
  • Research on other potential uses (viral, inflammatory diseases), but always evidence-based
  • Stronger regulatory oversight to fight counterfeit drugs and ensure global safety

Safe Use Checklist & Summary

Stromectol (Ivermectin) remains one of the safest, most effective antiparasitics in global medicine-but only when used under medical supervision and sourced from certified pharmacies. Responsible use ensures rapid recovery, prevents complications, and helps maintain this life-saving drug’s effectiveness for future generations.

Checklist for Safe Stromectol Use:
  • Only use with a real prescription, after medical diagnosis
  • Order only from certified, regulated pharmacies
  • Take exactly as prescribed: correct dose, correct timing
  • Never buy “veterinary” or “no prescription” products for yourself or family
  • Report all side effects or new symptoms to your doctor
  • Be wary of internet misinformation-rely on trusted sources

With responsible use, Stromectol can continue to change lives and stop deadly infections, worldwide.


This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting or changing any prescription medication.


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