Ivermectin 3mg tablets are an oral treatment for scabies and parasitic infections, working by paralysing and killing mites with a convenient dosing regimen.
Ivermectin 3mg tablets are an oral medication used primarily to treat scabies and other parasitic infections. They belong to the anthelmintic family, which means they target and kill parasites, such as mites and worms, that reside within the body. The tablets offer a simple, usually single-dose treatment option that can be easier to use compared to topical creams.
The tablets contain 3mg of ivermectin as the active ingredient. They work systemically, meaning the medicine travels through the bloodstream to reach parasites wherever they are in the body. This makes them particularly effective for widespread or difficult-to-treat infestations.
Key features of ivermectin 3mg tablets include:
Oral administration for ease and convenience
Single-dose treatment, often followed by a second dose to ensure complete clearance
Effective against scabies mites and other parasites
Suitable for adults and children above specific weight thresholds
Generally well tolerated with mild side effects
Additional information
Quantity
1 x 4, 2 x 4
MOJO WISDOM
Take control of your health by understanding your condition and what this medication is doing for you.
READ:
More information about this treatment.
UK-based doctors and pharmacists
Discreet and Confidential
UK-based doctors and pharmacists
Free, Expert Advice
No video link provided.
No video link provided.
UK-based doctors and pharmacists
Free, expert advice
Discrete and confidential
Fast delivery
Giving you trusted clinical advice for over 30 conditions
A UK regulated pharmacy providing safe, effective treatments online since 2014
Everything you need to know about ivermectin 3mg tablets for treating scabies and parasitic infections
Ivermectin 3mg tablets are a trusted oral medication widely used to treat scabies, a highly contagious skin condition caused by mites. They belong to a class of medicines called anthelmintics, which work by killing parasites in the body. Ivermectin tablets offer a convenient alternative to topical creams and lotions, making them a popular choice for patients seeking effective scabies treatment.
Key takeaways
Ivermectin 3mg tablets are an oral anthelmintic used to treat scabies and other parasitic infections [1], [2].
Treatment usually involves a single dose, with a second dose 7–14 days later to kill newly hatched mites [3].
Ivermectin paralyses and kills scabies mites by interfering with their nervous system [4].
It is generally well tolerated, with mild side effects such as temporary increased itching [1].
A professional diagnosis and consultation are essential before using ivermectin to ensure safety and suitability [2].
Overview of ivermectin 3mg tablets
Oral anthelmintic medication for scabies and parasites
Single-dose treatment with possible second dose for full effect
Paralyses and kills mites by disrupting their nervous system
Well tolerated with mild, temporary side effects
Ivermectin tablets have transformed scabies treatment by offering a convenient, systemic approach that complements or replaces topical therapies. Their effectiveness in clearing infections after one or two doses has been demonstrated in numerous clinical studies.
Because ivermectin targets the nervous system of parasites, it quickly paralyses and kills them, helping to relieve symptoms and prevent spread. The oral route also means it can reach mites that topical treatments might miss.
While generally safe, ivermectin should only be used under medical supervision to ensure correct dosing and to rule out contraindications. This helps maximise treatment success and minimise risks.
Active ingredient
Ivermectin is the active ingredient in these tablets. It is a macrocyclic lactone anthelmintic that binds selectively to glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nerve and muscle cells of parasites. This causes increased permeability to chloride ions, leading to hyperpolarisation, paralysis, and death of the parasite.
The tablets contain 3mg of ivermectin per dose, along with inactive ingredients such as microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized maize starch, butylhydroxyanisole, and magnesium stearate [3], [4].
What are ivermectin 3mg tablets for?
Ivermectin tablets are prescribed mainly for the treatment of scabies, a contagious skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. Scabies causes intense itching and rash due to an allergic reaction to the mites burrowing into the skin.
Besides scabies, ivermectin is effective against a range of parasitic infections, including certain types of worms and lice. It is especially useful when topical treatments are impractical or ineffective.
The medication is often recommended when scabies is widespread, or when patients prefer oral treatment over creams and lotions [1], [2].
How do ivermectin 3mg tablets work?
Ivermectin works by interfering with the nervous system and muscle function of parasites such as scabies mites. It binds to specific chloride channels in nerve and muscle cells, thereby increasing the permeability of these cells to chloride ions. This causes hyperpolarisation of the cells, leading to paralysis and death of the parasite.
Because ivermectin is taken orally, it circulates through the bloodstream and reaches parasites wherever they reside in the body. It kills live mites but does not affect eggs, which is why a second dose is usually necessary to eliminate newly hatched mites.
The drug starts killing mites within 12 to 56 hours after administration, with symptom relief following as the infestation clears. This systemic action makes ivermectin a powerful and convenient treatment option [3], [4].
How to use ivermectin 3mg tablets
Take ivermectin tablets exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The tablets are usually swallowed whole with a glass of water, preferably on an empty stomach, to improve absorption.
The dose depends on your weight and health, so it’s essential to have a thorough medical consultation or complete the online consultation at courierpharmacy.co.uk, which will factor in your weight, before starting treatment.
You may need to take a second dose 7 to 14 days after the first to ensure all mites are killed.
It can take up to four weeks to confirm that the infection has cleared. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor for further advice [1], [2].
Warnings and precautions
Ivermectin should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women unless specifically advised by a doctor. It is generally not recommended for young children under 15kg due to limited research on safety.
Avoid alcohol while taking ivermectin, as it may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking to avoid possible interactions.
If you experience allergic reactions, such as a rash, itching, fever, or difficulty breathing, stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention.
Always have a confirmed diagnosis and medical supervision when using ivermectin to ensure safe and effective treatment [2], [3].
Side effects
Common side effects of ivermectin include mild itching and rash, which may temporarily worsen shortly after treatment begins. Other possible side effects are headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.
Severe allergic reactions are rare but require urgent medical attention. Side effects are usually short-lived and manageable with medical support.
If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly [3], [4].
Drug interactions
Ivermectin may interact with medications that depress the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines, and with anticoagulants. Alcohol can increase the likelihood of side effects and should be avoided.
Always disclose all medications and supplements you are taking to your doctor before starting ivermectin to ensure safety.
Avoid combining ivermectin with other antiparasitic treatments unless directed by your healthcare provider [1], [3].
FAQ
What are ivermectin 3mg tablets used for?
They are used to treat scabies and other parasitic infections [1].
How quickly does ivermectin work?
It begins killing mites within 12 to 56 hours after taking the tablet [4].
How many doses do I need?
Usually two doses, seven to 14 days apart, to kill all mites including newly hatched ones [2].
Can children take ivermectin?
Yes, but only if they weigh more than 15kg and under medical supervision [3].
Is ivermectin safe during pregnancy?
Only if prescribed by a doctor; generally avoided during pregnancy [2].
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take it as soon as possible and continue as prescribed [1].
Can ivermectin cause side effects?
Yes, mild side effects like itching and rash are common initially [3].
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
