Buy Ivermectin
Ivermectin
Ivermectin Properties
About Ivermectin
Generic Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication that belongs to the macrocyclic lactone class. It is approved in Australia for the treatment of onchocerciasis (river blindness), strongyloidiasis, and certain ectoparasitic infestations such as scabies. The active ingredient, ivermectin, works by targeting the nervous system of parasites, leading to their paralysis and death. While its primary indication is for parasitic infections, clinicians sometimes reference it for off-label purposes, though such use must be supervised by a qualified healthcare professional. The pill is available in 3 mg, 6 mg, and 12 mg strengths, allowing dose adjustments based on body weight and the infection being treated.
What is Generic Ivermectin?
Generic Ivermectin is a synthetic analogue of a naturally occurring compound first isolated from the soil-dwelling bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) classifies it as a prescription-only medicine, reflecting its potency and the need for professional oversight. As a macrocyclic lactone, it belongs to the antiparasitic pharmacological group and is marketed in tablet form for oral administration. The drug’s regulatory journey began with a TGA approval in 1996 for onchocerciasis, expanding over the years to include strongyloidiasis and scabies. Being generic, it offers the same clinical effect as branded preparations, with bioequivalence demonstrated in multiple pharmacokinetic studies.
How Ivermectin Works
Ivermectin exerts its antiparasitic action by binding selectively to glutamate-gated chloride channels that are abundant in the nerve and muscle cells of invertebrates. When the drug attaches to these channels, chloride ions flow into the cell, hyper-polarising the neuronal membrane. This electrical change prevents the transmission of nerve impulses, resulting in paralysis of the parasite’s musculature and ultimately its death. In arthropods, ivermectin also enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, further disrupting neuronal function.
After an oral dose, the tablet is rapidly absorbed, with peak plasma concentrations occurring around 4-5 hours. Food can modestly increase bioavailability, but the effect is not clinically significant. Ivermectin is highly lipophilic, distributing broadly into tissues, especially the liver and adipose stores. Metabolism occurs primarily via hepatic CYP3A4 pathways, producing inactive metabolites that are excreted mainly in the feces; a smaller fraction is eliminated renally. The elimination half-life ranges from 12 to 36 hours, allowing once-daily dosing for most indications. Because the drug does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier in humans, central nervous system toxicity is uncommon at approved doses.
Why Ivermectin is Used for Parasitic Infections Conditions
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Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)
- Mechanistic rationale: Microfilariae of Onchocerca volvulus possess glutamate-gated chloride channels; ivermectin’s binding immobilises them, preventing migration to ocular tissues.
- Guideline position: Recommended as first-line oral therapy by the World Health Organization (WHO) and incorporated into Australian treatment protocols.
- Comparison: Offers a single-dose regimen, unlike older diethylcarbamazine regimens that require prolonged courses.
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Strongyloidiasis
- Mechanistic rationale: Larval stages of Strongyloides stercoralis are vulnerable to chloride channel activation, leading to larval death within the intestinal wall.
- Guideline position: Preferred agent for uncomplicated infection; especially valuable in immunocompromised patients where hyperinfection can be fatal.
- Comparison: Demonstrates higher cure rates than albendazole, with shorter treatment duration (single dose vs. multiple days).
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Scabies (including crusted scabies)
- Mechanistic rationale: Mites of Sarcoptes scabiei have GABA-gated chloride channels; ivermectin induces paralysis and detachment from the epidermis.
- Guideline position: Recommended for patients unable to tolerate topical permethrin or when extensive skin involvement precludes topical therapy.
- Comparison: Oral ivermectin provides systemic coverage, reaching mites in thickened crusts where topical agents may fail.
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Lymphatic Filariasis (adjunct)
- Mechanistic rationale: Targeting adult filarial worms reduces microfilarial load, interrupting transmission cycles.
- Guideline position: Used in mass-drug-administration programs combined with albendazole.
- Comparison: Acts synergistically with other filaricidal agents, enhancing community-level eradication efforts.
Each indication leverages the same fundamental action-disruption of parasite neurotransmission-while dosing and duration are tailored to the organism’s life cycle and tissue localisation.
Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Ivermectin
Clinical interest has explored ivermectin as a potential antiviral, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic. In-vitro studies demonstrated inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication at concentrations far exceeding those achievable with standard oral dosing. Small-scale randomised trials reported mixed outcomes, and the TGA has not approved ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment. Observational research also examined its role in managing certain dermatologic conditions such as rosacea, with limited evidence suggesting benefit through anti-inflammatory pathways. Off-label use should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider, acknowledging the lack of regulatory endorsement and the need for robust safety monitoring.
Is Ivermectin Right for You?
Ideal candidates are adults with a confirmed diagnosis of onchocerciasis, strongyloidiasis, or scabies who can tolerate oral medication. Weight-based dosing-typically 200 µg/kg for onchocerciasis and 150-200 µg/kg for strongyloidiasis-ensures therapeutic concentrations while minimising adverse effects. Patients with severe hepatic impairment may require dose reduction because metabolism is CYP3A4-dependent. Although animal data suggest teratogenic risk, human studies are insufficient; consequently, ivermectin is contraindicated during pregnancy unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk. Breastfeeding mothers should weigh the low oral bioavailability in infants against the need for treatment. Elderly patients generally respond similarly to younger adults, provided renal and hepatic function are assessed.
Taking Ivermectin Effectively
- Timing: Administer the tablet with a full glass of water on an empty stomach for optimal absorption; food can delay peak levels but does not markedly affect overall exposure.
- Dose calculation: Multiply the desired µg/kg dosage by body weight (kg) and divide by 100 to obtain the required milligram amount. Choose the nearest available strength (3 mg, 6 mg, or 12 mg) and adjust with additional tablets if necessary.
- Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten within 12 hours, take it as soon as remembered. Beyond that window, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule; do not double-dose.
- Travel considerations: For endemic regions, obtain the prescription before departure; store tablets in a cool, dry place and keep them out of direct sunlight.
- Interactions: Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin) can raise plasma ivermectin levels, increasing the risk of neurotoxicity. Inform your clinician of all current medications.
Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Ivermectin is generally well-tolerated, but its interaction with parasite neural pathways can provoke mild, self-limiting symptoms in the host.
- Common, usually transient effects
- Nausea and abdominal discomfort: Likely related to gastric irritation; take the tablet with food if upset stomach persists.
- Dizziness or headache: May stem from central nervous system exposure at higher concentrations; remain seated until symptoms resolve.
- Pruritus or rash: Often a reaction to dying parasites; antihistamines such as cetirizine can alleviate itching.
- Less frequent but clinically relevant
- Mazzotti reaction: Accelerated inflammatory response to massive microfilariae death, presenting with fever, urticaria, and lymphadenopathy. Manage with corticosteroids under medical supervision.
- Neurotoxicity: At supratherapeutic doses, ivermectin can cross the blood-brain barrier, causing ataxia, seizures, or coma. Immediate medical attention is required; avoid overdosing and adhere to weight-based calculations.
- When to seek care
- Persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or signs of allergic reaction (swelling of face, difficulty breathing) merit urgent evaluation.
- Neurological symptoms such as confusion, visual disturbances, or loss of coordination should prompt immediate consultation.
Understanding the physiological basis of these events helps patients recognise normal versus alarming reactions and respond appropriately.
Buying Ivermectin from Our Online Pharmacy
Why Choose Our Service?
Access to prescription medicines can be challenging in remote Australian communities. Our online pharmacy bridges that gap, delivering authentic ivermectin directly to your door while maintaining full compliance with TGA regulations. The platform streamlines verification, so you receive the correct dosage without unnecessary pharmacy visits.
Quality & Safety
We partner exclusively with licensed international distributors that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and are inspected by the World Health Organization. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing for potency, purity, and microbial contamination before shipment.
Pricing & Access
Generic ivermectin tablets are priced competitively, often 30-50 % lower than branded equivalents. Bulk packaging options (e.g., 30-tablet strips) further reduce cost per dose. For returning customers, we offer a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, helping you maintain treatment continuity without financial strain.
Discreet Delivery
Orders are packaged in unbranded, tamper-evident envelopes. Standard shipping arrives within 3 weeks nationwide, while express delivery reaches most locations in approximately 7 days. Tracking numbers are provided so you can monitor progress in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the typical treatment course for strongyloidiasis? A single oral dose of 200 µg/kg is often sufficient; however, in immunocompromised patients a repeat dose after two weeks may be recommended to ensure eradication.
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Can I take ivermectin with other antiparasitic drugs? Co-administration with albendazole is common in mass drug administration programmes for lymphatic filariasis, and no clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions have been reported.
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Is ivermectin effective against head lice? While ivermectin has demonstrated activity against certain ectoparasites, it is not the first-line therapy for pediculosis. Topical permethrin remains the preferred treatment.
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How quickly will symptoms improve after dosing for scabies? Adult mites are killed within 24 hours, but pruritus may persist for 1-2 weeks as the immune system clears dead parasites and debris.
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Do I need to adjust the dose if I have liver disease? Mild hepatic impairment generally does not require modification, but moderate to severe dysfunction may necessitate a reduced dose; a clinician should assess liver function tests before prescribing.
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Can ivermectin be used in children under 15 kg? Pediatric use is approved for weights ≥15 kg, with dosing calculated on a µg/kg basis. For smaller children, alternative agents such as albendazole are preferred.
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Why does my skin itch more after the first tablet? The intensified itching reflects a Mazzotti-type reaction as parasites die and release antigenic material; antihistamines and anti-inflammatory agents can temper this response.
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Is there any risk of resistance developing to ivermectin? Resistance has been observed in some veterinary nematodes, but clinical resistance in human parasites remains rare. Adhering to recommended dosing schedules helps mitigate this risk.
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Can I store ivermectin tablets in the bathroom medicine cabinet? Tablets should be kept in a cool, dry place away from moisture and excessive heat; prolonged exposure to humidity can degrade potency.
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What should I do if I accidentally take a double dose? Contact a healthcare professional promptly; monitor for neurological symptoms such as dizziness or visual changes, and seek emergency care if they develop.
Glossary
- Glutamate-gated chloride channel
- A membrane protein in invertebrate nerve cells that, when opened by glutamate, allows chloride ions to enter, hyper-polarising the cell and inhibiting nerve transmission.
- Mazzotti reaction
- An acute inflammatory response that occurs after rapid killing of large numbers of microfilariae, characterised by fever, rash, and lymphadenopathy.
- Pharmacokinetics
- The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolised, and excreted by the body, influencing its onset, duration, and dosing schedule.
Disclaimer
The information provided about Ivermectin is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions, including those regarding off-label applications, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Readers are assumed to be responsible adults capable of making informed health choices. Our online pharmacy offers access to ivermectin for individuals who may encounter limited availability through conventional pharmacies, insurance-based dispensing, or who seek affordable generic alternatives. Always discuss any medication changes with your doctor before initiating, altering, or stopping therapy.
